Greetings, my fellow writers. My current project is of the big universe variety and I'm looking for an App to help me keep track of a multi-stranded plot in different cities, but which all move toward the endgame.
I am wondering what you use tech-wise, or do you use old tech - a whiteboard perhaps? Although, come to think of it, my wife may object to me fixing a whiteboard on the ceiling above the bed. Definitely not a good move, especially if I want to complete this project!
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Use Microsoft Excel -- cities horizontal across the top row, elements, characters, conflicts, and what-have-yous listed vertically on the left side. As far as the whiteboard over the bed, go for it. The whiteboard will bounce the light of your flash when needed ;)
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That would be my suggestion, too—use a spreadsheet with each plot strand and the characters going one way, and the scenes they're in going the other.
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I use a corkboard or I use milanote. It just depends on the project and how I'm feeling about it.
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These may help (not sure). The first one is a way of following events and their impact on storylines. The second one of the right is a way of tracking relationships. So if Jane wants to met Mary, she would need to ask Mr.T to get Steve to talk to his sister about the meeting.
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Craig D Griffiths Thanks Craig, that may be a too micromanaging of the narrative. I'm sure it would drive me mad to have to create and recreate those sheets on such a large scale story as this! But thank you for taking the time to respond to my question. Have a chilled Sunday.
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Thanks @Ty Strange This is an animated series across multiple cities and in my mind's eye, I want to be able to visualise a colour-coded landscape of plot elements.
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Lisa Lee thanks Lisa. Do you also colour-code your cards for the plot elements?
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Thank you Timothy Liebe I sense a problem with the scaling for that and fitting on to one screen. Thanks for your advice. Things are becoming clearer in my mind.
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Lindbergh E Hollingsworth Lindbergh, I can see you’re trying to get me into trouble!
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Geoff Hall, I was wondering when someone would catch the 'subtext' ! Good job!
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Geoff Hall I do color-code my cards. I didn't always do it that way, but I've found that it really helps me keep track of exactly what is going on and when. I'll also color-code by character if what I'm working on has more than just a few characters.
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Lisa Lee Thanks, Lisa. It's always good to know the practice of other writers.
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I really like Airtable. I track 150+ books and my submissions, and they all link together. You can customize a template to fit your needs. It's really pretty great. Give it a try. This link will give you $10 towards services, if they're ever needed. Like I said, I'm tracking 150+ books/projects and the 100's of submissions I make and I've not paid a dime for it. I'll attach a screenshot to give a quick glimpse of my layout. https://airtable.com/invite/r/gIzdyLwX
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I use index cards taped to the wall. Lol. But I’m old school.
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Niki Galiano haha! Aren’t we all!
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I've found that not keeping track of anything can lead to pleasant surprises. Last week got notice about the finalists in the Page Turner International competition. Wondered why I got the notification then discovered I was a finalist, even though I had no recollection of entering. Made my day. So, I'm keep my system undisturbed.
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Congratulations, Michael Elliott 2!