Hello,
So, I’ve been really enjoying writing my latest story. It’s set in Stockport, Manchester, England, my hometown, and it is allowing me to use locations I have either been to, lived near or can easily get to. I’ve written stories based in Manchester City Centre before that I have enjoyed writing for the same reason but in my hometown is slightly better. Eventually, I’m going to write one a lot closer to home in the small village I grew up in but that’s for the future.
I have been doing some character profiles and story outlines but do not have an ending written out just yet. As I have been doing this I wondered how I could track my story. Usually, I would just read back over my notes or the story itself to make sure everything is as poly hole-free as possible. This has always been a bit messy really so I thought, how can I do this easily and efficiently? A long time passed thinking about this question until…
…a timeline punched me in the brain.
I’m not sure why I haven’t used one before with ANY of my previous stories over the years. It is working so well so far. I’ve laid out my timeline per character and date. Side by side, each column with actions to move the story along. This has allowed me to sync each character up and it seems like a breath of fresh air compared to my usual method. And long may it continue. But I feel I must say…
I’m sorry, Timelines. I’m sorry for not utilising you sooner. You are now, barring any goliath of a story planning idea to come my way, my future. I cannot see why I would not use a Timeline. It seems like it should have hit me sooner. I am sorry. Also, I hope the use of ‘The Kid’, my Lego monkey writing sidekick, will help my cause.
Phew. That feels better. Though, I feel I may have more grovelling to do. I’ve read many articles regarding timelines and obviously just let them rest in my subconscious. More fool me. Hold on. I’ll have to go back over all my previous stories and create one for each. But that will take some time. Maybe I should just use Timelines for any stories in future? But don’t all my stories deserve the same treatment?
Do you use or have you used Timelines when planning your stories? Do they help to ensure that each character is kept in line (story)? Or did you find them a hindrance and move onto something else?
Okay. I’m going back to the Timeline. And the apologies. Have a good week. Bye!
johnrsermon 
I do something similiar to timeline so I can keep track of my day to day experiences and journey along the way in order. It’s definitly helpful rather than making mental notes.
Good stuff. Currently, it’s helping me a lot with my story. I’m ticking off certain events as they happen so the story is running smoothly. Well, as smoothly as a first draft run anyway.
I like to have one or two other people read it to make sure I have fresh set of eyes and that it flows well and makes sense still.
I do the same once the story is finished. And after a few edits. Some websites, critique circle in particular, are good for getting detailed feedback.
That’s awesome I don’t know that site. I’m gonna check into it. I’d prefer strangers to read it – they’ll be more honest
They are. And you have to write a certain number of words for each critique. I’m hoping to start using it again. Not used it for a while. Hope it goes well for you.
Thank you I apprecaite the heads up. For a long time I couldn’t show anyone anything I’d written by have lately started not caring anymore. Just throw it out there and what’s the worst that happens – someone reads it and doesn’t love it?
Exactly. I was the same. But as long as the feedback is constructive then good or bad it’s helpful. I’ve had bad feedback but it was like it was bad feedback for the sake of it. I just ignore those responses now.
True. Some people feel like they can’t just point out feedback without giving negative too. I am learning to let it go.