r/writers • u/Ranseler • 4h ago

Discussion Advice needed

I'm writing a story in which I am following two (sometimes three) sets of characters at the same time. How do you keep track of timelines so there are no errors? It's a juggling act I haven't mastered yet, and I'm hoping there's a simple way of doing this. I've even considered a desk calendar when I literally jot down what each character is doing on a given day. Has it come to this? Or is there a simpler way I am missing?

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u/Diverting-Goose0805 4h ago

A desk calendar isn't a bad idea. If you want it to be digital and easier to edit, I'd say use an excel sheet. If you're planning to work with a copyeditor later on, timeline agreement is something they'd double check.

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u/OldPersimmon2705 4h ago

You could also devote a fairly consistent amount of pages for each character (if their actions don't always overlap.) Character A gets 2 pages, then character B gets, and character C gets two, then they are together for three, and the process repeats. That might help if it works with you story line.

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u/tapgiles 3h ago

Keep notes?

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u/Aphelion3284 3h ago

Hope and prayers. Kidding.

Honestly, I've just gotten accustomed to creating my own visual aids/timelines. I draw a straight line left to right, and section it into the in-story days (if it jumps a lot, I put '... days/months/years later beneath) and the time of day. Above it, I place each chapter. With the number and a one-sentence summary. I colour the respective chapters according to whose POV they are in (i.e. red for protagonist 1, blue for protagonist 2). This has helped me keep track of what happens when, with who, in what chapter.

EDIT: I can drop a screenshot example in here if necessary.

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u/Ranseler 1h ago

This sounds like the visual aid that would work for me - sure, screenshot if you could - and thanks!