Building a Book 'Bible'

Building a Book 'Bible'

A book 'blble' is a basic writing tool. It enables the author to keep pertinent information in an easily accessible manner.

When I started Ancient Awakening, it was to be a stand-alone book. The details of the different characters after several chapters and I realized I needed a better way to keep track of eye color, hair style, physical description and other pesky details. I've used character sheets, interview forms, lists and found they didn't meet my needs.

When another author mentioned using a 'Bible', a lightbulb flashed over my head. What could be easier than a method I could use on the fly?

After creating a new document, I skimmed what I already had written. It was easy to cut and paste details. I used bold type for proper names for character names and added sections of description each time I mentioned him/her.

Let me amend that. I copy the info when I do a simple edit. I never stop the writing process for editing. It breaks the flow and I don't recommend using anything that does that.
I also found it helpful to include a timeline of events. Mine is at the front of the 'bible'.
Once I decided Ancient Awakening would be the first of a series set in Rhodes End, I added the town as a character. I'm also drawing a map using my characters actions. You'd be surprised to know how hard it is to recall if you turn right or left out of the driveway to get to the cemetery.
Since I started book two and three, the information is invaluable. I have opened 'bibles' two and three, copied the appropriate character descriptions as needed, and keep on writing.

I've also found it helpful to add research details. Too many times I've wasted hours hunting for that important detail because I couldn't recall the spelling, the year, whatever.

The 'bible' is a flexible tool. I recommend it.

Barbara Edwards

Wasting Time instead of Writing

Diagrams, outlines, graphs and time-wasters

At a recent writer's meeting another speaker advised using an outline.

Yuck. I actually hate outlining. So many authors have these cute little charts and graphs to get their story together. I do envy their organizational skill. I have tried. Honest. I tried Deb Dixon’s outline for goal, motivation and conflict. Remember the Wizard of Oz example? Boy, I grabbed that like a lifeline to a drowning sailor. Too bad the graph defeated me. Did this fact go here? Or here?
I’ve used the character questions. His name, her name, mother’s name, listed like a genealogy. Who gives a rat’s butt what the hero’s mother’s maiden name was?
After years of searching for what works for me, I’m finally doing my own thing. I have a book bible for each manuscript.
In it is a timeline- day, night, moon phase, whatever is relevant to when.
When I add a character, I copy the description, adding details as they appear.
This is part of my first draft process. I do a simple edit on the previous day’s work, put items in the bible and start the flow for today’s pages. Works for me.

My latest book is available at the Wild Rose Press

Ancient Awakening by Barbara Edwards Finding Rhodes End Book One
Blurb: Police Officer Melanie Petersen is the only one who believes a suspicious death is murder. By disobeying direct orders from the Rhodes End Chief, she risks her career to follow clues that twist in circles to her backyard and lead the killer to her. Her neighbor Stephan Zoriak is a prime suspect. While working for a major pharmaceutical company, he is exposed to a dangerous organism that changed him. He suspects he is the killer and agrees to help Mel find the truth when the deaths continue. In the course of their investigation Mel and Steve find more death and continued distrust that make them wonder if love can defy death.

Excerpt:
“Don’t touch me, Mel, not unless you’re willing to do a lot more,” he warned as her hazel eyes flared golden.
“Don’t threaten me, Steve. You’re…”
He pulled her into his arms despite the alarm bells clanging in his head.
Danger! Danger! Danger!
Her widened eyes met his. Mel’s hands were trapped against his chest, but she didn’t push him away. Instead, her fingers curled into his shirt.
Her mistake. His mistake was to crush her mouth under his.
Mel’s soft lips parted. Need exploded. The taste of black coffee didn’t hide her sweet flavor. As her tongue tangled with his, her arms slid around his neck and her fingers burrowed through his hair.
Steve hungered to peel the starched shirt off her soft shoulders, lay her on the thick turf and ease his desire. He tasted her brows, her cheek, along her throat, seeking the source of her call. Her pulse whipped under his mouth, awakening another need.
His teeth gently closed on the vulnerable vein.
He wanted, wanted, wanted…
Cold alarm chilled his pounding blood.
Steve gasped for air. He’d forgotten his own ironclad rule. Mel’s eyelids flittered open to reveal the molten glow of desire but he forced himself free.
He had no right to touch any woman. Not until he knew he hadn’t become what he had set out to destroy.

For more information, visit me at
http://www.barbaraedwards.net/