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Seems kind of backwards to map out your characters without knowing much about the story itself, doesn't it? However, I start with a kernel of an idea and I've already selected the time period the book takes place in. My next step is selecting where (as in geographically) and what happens during the story (e.g., the outline).

So, geographically speaking, it can be tricky to pick a town or city to base a book in. There are so many nuances and quirks for "real" places, that unless you've lived there or have done extensive research and interviews, it's not always a good idea to place your book in a "real" town or city.

For example, in Devils on Horseback: Nate, I could have chosen Houston Texas as the setting. However, since this book takes place in 1865, Houston was very different than it is now. I made the choice to create my own town in eastern Texas, give it its own quirks and keep with the climate/landscape of the area.

After selecting the where I'm ready to get into the what. The "what" in this case is deciding what's going to be in the book, and subsequently the other books in the series. I always have a general idea, but we're talking specifics here. Instead of a true outline, I write a bulleted list of the major events in the book. This helps me shape the plot as a whole.

The important thing to remember is consistency. Write down your landmarks, paint color, names of places - all of the details you put in the story as you're writing it can be crucial later on. Why? Let's say you're reading a book, loving it, then you get to a place where the restaurant from chapter 3, which was called Bernard's, is now called Bernies in chapter 10. *cringe*

You are ultimately the world builder and it behooves you to remember to treat your world with utmost care. Self-editing can help you catch a lot of inconsistencies, but keeping track of details along the way can do a better job. Some writers use spreadsheets to track every minute detail of their book, others don't do anything at all. I fall somewhere in the middle.

So now I have the first book in a series written and published, then comes book 2. Tomorrow's post will be about the sophomore effort in a series.

Until then!

Beth Williamson
http://www.bethwilliamson.com
Are you ready to be branded?
Now available in ebook: Marielle's Marshal
Now available in ebook: Devils on Horseback: Nate