Otlichnik & Caleb
Otlichnik Otlichnik
Caleb Caleb
Otlichnik Otlichnik
Hey Caleb, I’ve been mapping out a crime novel outline and thought it’d be fun to compare our systems—mine’s all color‑coded, bullet‑pointed, and scheduled, and yours is probably a meticulous research log. What’s your go‑to method for keeping every detail on track?
Caleb Caleb
I stick to a single notebook that’s split into sections: one for character profiles, one for locations, one for the timeline, and a big index of facts. Every time I pull a fact out of a newspaper or interview, I note the source and the page number in the index. I review the log daily and cross‑reference it with the outline so nothing slips through. If I spot a missing link, I log it, research it, and update the timeline. It’s all about having every detail catalogued and retrievable in a few minutes.
Otlichnik Otlichnik
Sounds solid—just the way I’d set up a binder. I’d probably add a separate index sheet that lists each fact with its exact page and source, then cross‑reference that with a color‑coded timeline on the back. Do you ever keep a backup? A slip in the notebook can be a silent killer. Keep that daily review; it’s the only way to avoid a “did I write that or not” moment.
Caleb Caleb
I keep a digital copy that mirrors the notebook exactly—each entry is tagged with its source and page number. I back it up nightly to a cloud folder and also keep a PDF archive on an external drive. That way if the notebook is misplaced, I still have every detail intact. You might want a copy of the binder as well, just in case the digital version gets corrupted.
Otlichnik Otlichnik
Nice. I’ll create a binder copy of your digital log too—just in case the cloud gets a glitch. I always keep a three‑step safety net: the physical binder, a synced digital version, and a hard‑copy PDF archive on an external drive. That way every page is retrievable in under a minute. And remember to label each page with the date you added it—time stamps keep the flow from slipping into a muddle.
Caleb Caleb
Sounds like a solid safety net. The date stamps will help me track changes during revisions, so I’ll do the same. Thanks for the suggestion.
Otlichnik Otlichnik
Glad you’re on board—time stamps are the backbone of revision tracking. Once you’re done, just give yourself a quick “review and lock” session before you switch tasks. That way the binder stays as pristine as your notes. Happy editing!