Last week I wrote about writing a series and keeping track of details over several novels, and I was asked about my spreadsheet.
In Keeping Track of Scenes I described the spreadsheet I use for one novel. It amazes me how much I’ve changed and adapted the spreadsheet as I learn to improve my process. I’ve also added Scrivener to my list of tools, but I still can’t do without a spreadsheet.
In addition to a spreadsheet per novel, I now have a spreadsheet for the series.
The first column of each sheet states which novel the info is for. Then I include the following sheets:
Characters
- names (first and last in separate columns so I can sort by each and make sure none of the names are too similar)
- relationships
- ages
- clothing styles
- emotional issues and challenges
- anything I think might be important for the next novel
(I use Scrivener for character history)
Locations
- places used
- local business and who own them
- hours of operation for ski lifts or any other business that is in more than one novel.
- brief description of place
- important characteristics of place
Timelines
- Dates of key events (important in later novel when referring to past)
Hope this helps.
Thanks for reading . . .
Creative Story Editors 
Not only does it ensure accuracy in the story line, but it makes the job of the translator easier.
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Great to keep in mind for anyone having their novels translated. Who ever said this would be easy? No one, I think.
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Thanks for sharing this! I like how it tracks the important things and keeps it easy to see and refer back to. Am going to try something similar.
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Thanks for reading and commenting. I hope this helps. So many things to learn … 🙂
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I do something similar in Scrivener, especially since I’m more of a discovery writer. (sometimes referred to as a pantser 😉 ) I’m finding it very useful to log my important information into templates under the character name, setting, or story gimmick. The time line still goes onto physical index cards so I can play with it out on the table. It makes me feel like a fortune teller!
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What’s a pantser? I’ve haven’t heard that term before and must ask, am I one too?
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