The events of MEMENTO NORA (and my current WIP) span just a few weeks, and the three points of view overlap each other. It’s a lot to keep straight in my head. I’d find myself at the end of one draft with too many Saturdays in the week or having my characters in too many places at one time. So, I decided to track my characters on a calendar. I used the simple Microsoft Works Calendar. On the monthly view, I put the general plot point–who goes where and when–type of information. On the daily view, I put chapter and POV information.
It was a life-saver during the revision process. My editor did her own time line, and I could compare hers against mine to see who was right. It wasn’t always me, though. Usually, that was because I changed something in the text, but didn’t update the calendar.
That’s awesome, Angie! I just started something like this too. I got out a 2004 calendar, making sure everything matches up, then writing it down as I go. Very, very helpful! I love your calendar though.
I love this idea! I was just struggling in a revision over where the weekend fell in the story, etc. Now I’m working on a new book and just beginning assembling the plot — I’m definitely using this idea!
Cool. Glad you guys like the idea. I thought everyone did something like this–until I showed my agent. She thought it was briliant and said was going tell all her clients to make calendars.
This is a great idea. Maybe I will try this too.