Roomy Stuff
Posted Friday, 04/19/24
Although my character spreadsheet for all eight (going on nine) books in the Collective Obsessions Saga is extremely detailed, there is no way I can fit all of the little details pertaining to the many characters spanning a time frame of 157 years (1865-2022).
For instance, in writing book #9 Limb of Iniquity, I've had to go through the text files for all original eight books to verify on which floor of the Larkin mansion specific characters occupied (often from birth to death). It wasn't as difficult as it sounds. I simply used the word "floor" to search all room references in the MS Word files, which took me about an hour.
It might seem trivial when all things are considered, but one of my many writing habits is to ensure consistency throughout the books no matter how miniscule some of the facts may seem. I notice the lack thereof in some of the books I've read in the present and past, and I'd rather not join their company.
For example, the twin characters of Sean and Shannon Larkin spent their early years in a nursery on the second floor of the family mansion. However, when they became adults, both relocated to the lofty fourth floor, where they apparently remain for life.
Quite simply, it's all in the details. ;)
