HOW I KEEP TRACK OF BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Technique 1: Keep Track of Background and Descriptions As You Write:
The first one is to keep a separate document with a table containing 2 columns. The left column has a notation regarding the background information or character description. The right column, I put in what chapter I have that information in.
TABLE DOCUMENT EXAMPLE:
| Background & Descriptions |
Chapter Number |
| Physical description of Hero |
Chapter 1 |
| Description of job history |
Chapter 4 |
| Reference to past case (for series info) |
Chapter 10 |
The only drawback to this technique is interrupting the creative process. I was stopping while writing to record the background info, etc. I did this for a while, but that's when I found Technique 2 which I describe below. That one worked better for me. You can pick which one you would like better.
Because I work with a plot outline, I write the entire story going from scene to scene to scene in Scrivener. I write using Day 1, Day 2, etc. instead of Chapters. This allows me to carefully watch my storyline and timeline together. Like I said above, I write the first draft and never look back. (You see how I like to repeat things!) I only re-read in order to "get my bearings" between writing sessions.
Technique 2: Begin Tracking Background after first Draft:
I stopped interrupting myself during the draft writing stage and paid no real mind to the background and descriptions. I added them as I was writing and kept moving. Then, after the draft is done, I shift into reading for context, to make sure the story is all there and all the dots connect.
This is the point where I begin tracking and checking on the background and descriptive info. This is the point where I made the table document and begin tracking the background and descriptions. If I have repeated something -- and I always do -- I remove it in one of the chapters.
This way, you can keep track of all of the background and other crucial info that you need to track. By putting it off until after the draft is finished, you prevent yourself from having to stop the creative writing process.
This is the technique I use now all the time. I wait until I've even set up with Chapters and I'm reading for context. That's where I start checking on the descriptions and background info and anything else I want to keep my eye out for. Any repetition comes out easily in this stage.
WRITING A SERIES BACKGROUND:
This same technique works with writing a series. I write each book as a stand-alone as well as being a numbered book in the series. This means I have to include background information as well as series information in each of the novels, without spoiling the surprise if they read the novels out of order. Some surprises can't be helped, but some can be hidden.
I make a list of all of the facts and background information the reader of Book 4 would need to read the stand-alone in context. I print out this list and as I begin to read through the novel for context (after the draft is done), that's when I check off and make sure all of the needed information has been included throughout the book.
