How I Keep Track Of Characters

So, I thought that I would share one of my techniques for keeping track of all those characters that I create!  I have a binder called "Red, White & Blues-Character Info & Research".  This is my bible!!!  I have an Excel file in my computer as well where I update/add/delete character info, but having this handy @ all times is imperative!  The image is of one of the pages...

Motivation

The fact that no one is reading my blogs should deter me from writing more.  But it hasn't. So, for today's entry I thought I would tackle the issue of motivation and working toward a finished book.  I can't tell you haw many times I sit in front of the computer, open the file for my next novel and then just sit staring at the walls waiting for inspiration to hit.  When this happens, I go back to my trusty outline format (mentioned in my previous blog) and begin to plan out something very simple.  Then I make myself write until I have completed that event or idea.  The goal for me becomes "just get something written.  You can always go back and change it or even delete it."  Many times, I get stuck searching for the perfect word.  I used to break out a thesaurus, other books, etc and search.  Unfortunately, when you do this, you lose momentum in your writing, which is the killer.  So, now I either leave a large black space or put in a similar word and highlight it so that I know to go back to it specifically in the editing.  You must keep moving forward!!

Writing Techniques Part 1

How does a person come up with something to write?  I was always drawn to writing.  As a child I thrilled at a blank piece of paper and pencil.  However, not everyone can get started this easily, and I have to admit that although the thrill is still there, it takes some thinking to get something to appear on that paper nowadays!
One method I use for writing a new chapter is to do an outline of ideas that I want to cover.  What characters do I want to use?  What is a possible scenario?  Where are they and what are they doing?  Most importantly, I try and narrow down what I want this chapter to accomplish.  As I work on the sequel to Red, White & Blues, I use this technique quite often and with good results most of the time.  It is not foolproof, but if you know where you want to end up, it takes a lot of the loss of inspiration out of it.

Introduction...

Greetings!  My purpose for blogging is to expose more people to my novel, Red, White & Blues.  If you like or have an interest in the following subjects, then please check my book out on Amazon.com & ORDER IT:  the 1960's & 1970's; bikers, outlaw motorcycle clubs; California, San Francisco; sex; drugs; music; the Vietnam War; Native American culture.  The book is available in either soft cover or as a Kindle edition.  If you have read my book or would like more information than what is provided on the Amazon page, please let me know!!   We'll talk more as the days unfold!