I’m sure you know what a timeline is, but do you understand how creating and studying a timeline can help you write your story?
Watch this video to learn more about two types of timelines and what information to include on yours.
If you’d like to take notes as you explore timelines, print the outline below. The timelines websites I refer to are listed in the handout, which you can print to have handy. I also have a United States Timeline available you are welcome to print out and use.
Learn all about timelines, and let us know what type of timeline you intend to create and how will you use it in the comments below.
8 Comments
Kathy Ashton
Awesome information on where to start with a timeline, thanks!!
Kelly Marie Dawson
Thank you Patricia, I now have a better idea on how to prepare a timeline. I have decide to start in 2009 and end 2020. Excited to begin this journey in time. KMD
Patricia
That’s great, Kelly Marie. Within that narrowly focused time period, you’ll be able to add many pertinent details.
beckymcg19
For my first book I waited till I was half way through writing the book before doing my timeline. This was a mistake. So for my second book, I did the timeline right when I started.I have the timeline in my folder, so it is easy to look up and keep me straight as to when things happened.
Patricia
You are so right, Becky. I’d be lost without mine.
Jennifer Paster
Have to admit that at first I was not to keen on doing a time line. I warmed up to the idea even thought I am still considering how my writing slices fit into the timeline.
I do really like the idea of having a timeline in the back of a book that I am reading or writing!
Jennifer
Holly martinez
I never realized how beneficial a time line was for the structure in my book. Once I began to make the time line from the basic, more and more information came to my mind and I keep adding to important events.
Patricia
It is such a useful tool. When I’m writing, I have my timeline right next to me, and I keep adding to it. Having it has saved me so much time digging through old documents, trying to find the info I need. I’m glad it helped you.