Organizing
OK, you've set your goals. You've got your writing space. You have resources at hand. As you may have gathered from some of my previous posts, all writing draws upon research. Doesn't matter whether it's non-fiction or fiction. So, how do you organize your research and your pre-writing writing? I recommend good old-fashioned manila file folders. Have a folder for each of your characters. Have a folder for each location your story is set in. Flip through magazines and find pictures. Rip them out and stick them in the folders. Find maps. I have also heard it recommended that you have a folder for each chapter of your book. Personally, I don't do that, but you might give it a try. Post pictures around your writing space that can serve to inspire you. When I'm writing, I go so far as to find a blueprint of my character's house and I keep that posted above my desk. I also have pictures posted of actors that I imagine would play my characters if I'm ever lucky enough to have them made into movies (David Zuckerman - I hope we meet again!). It helps me imagine the world of my story - it makes it real to me.
You also need to decide how you're going to organize things on your computer. I have a directory called "writing." Under that, I have subfolders for the stories that I am working on. Within the story subfolder, I keep a synopsis of my story, character sketches, and sometimes a table of scenes. I find it easier to keep the story itself in one file. It'll be a big file. Make sure you backup often. Print a hard copy every now and then, and email your story to yourself as an attachment (I use a yahoo account so I can access it anywhere and I don't download it to my machine). Another option is to have each chapter as a separate file. There are software programs out there that are specifically designed for writers, with cool bells and whistles. I haven't ever tried one. I'm afraid I'd get too caught up in the bells and whistles. I'm easily distracted. :o) I know that, and try to make my writing time as undistracted as possible. If you want to try a writing program, I suggest that you do your homework - check it out online, get referrals, and use a demo program before spending your hard earned money on any program.
Have fun putting your stuff together. I'm interested in hearing how others organize their writing research. Share with us!
Happy organizing,
Elle
You also need to decide how you're going to organize things on your computer. I have a directory called "writing." Under that, I have subfolders for the stories that I am working on. Within the story subfolder, I keep a synopsis of my story, character sketches, and sometimes a table of scenes. I find it easier to keep the story itself in one file. It'll be a big file. Make sure you backup often. Print a hard copy every now and then, and email your story to yourself as an attachment (I use a yahoo account so I can access it anywhere and I don't download it to my machine). Another option is to have each chapter as a separate file. There are software programs out there that are specifically designed for writers, with cool bells and whistles. I haven't ever tried one. I'm afraid I'd get too caught up in the bells and whistles. I'm easily distracted. :o) I know that, and try to make my writing time as undistracted as possible. If you want to try a writing program, I suggest that you do your homework - check it out online, get referrals, and use a demo program before spending your hard earned money on any program.
Have fun putting your stuff together. I'm interested in hearing how others organize their writing research. Share with us!
Happy organizing,
Elle
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