Story Bibles: A Writer's Reference

​This summer hasn't been as productive as I've wanted it to be, in regards to my writing. I've stared at pages, editing sessions have resulted in scratched sentences and forgotten. I reluctantly had to step away and rethink how to best tackle my stories again. So, I began writing Story Bibles. What is a story bible you ask? They're fun. ​

Story bibles are recorded information on characters, settings, what the story is about, etc. Ideally, it's used for episodic shows to help with continuity, but it can be used for any kind of fiction writing to help you plan your story. 

I've written a few scripts that have bibles already, but their just basic info and synopsis. I decided to be more in-depth in with my characters history, the settings, the plots; to help relieve the stress of being stuck and to be able to easily answer "why would they do that?" without the general answer of they can. 

With my recent story Death Needs A Favor,  I've been stuck and I think it has to do with how the Main Character can assist Death. I believe that I have a really good story all around, but there seems to be an unclear vision of what rules determines a trip to the land of clouds or land of fire. The question of "Why is the Main Character important?" in solving this issue keeps ringing in my head and creating a story bible for this script has helped a bit.

As I've begun creating and recreating my story bibles, I've become more intimate with my characters, expanding their story, adjusting and rewriting plot lines. I've come to find that story bibles are a great way to edit. As you're writing your bibles, you come to find that plot hole that may have been written or your characters' behavior that seem too familiar can be answered by your bible. It helps to fill the blanks, to correct that nagging problem or just a reminder of what's what.

If you don't already, I hope this helps in your interest in creating a bible for your next story or even the current one.

Happy Writing!