Create A Timeline

For each story event, include the time of day and weather details. These details will ground you as you are writing the scene and help readers understand the passage of time in your story.

• Use the date and time as chapter headings or subheadings, e.g. 2 August – Two days before the eruption; Conticinium [04:21 hours] (Pompeii, Robert Harris)
• A character can glance at a clock or watch. This action builds tension when the character is working against a deadline....

• Use references to story events, both past and future, e.g. The train leaves in xx hours/days
• Mention that an upcoming event will happen in xx weeks

• Incorporate seasonal details: rain, snow, heat, blooming trees, falling leaves, etc.
• Use seasonal events such as sports and festivals. For example: Andy switched from track to cross-country skiing as the days shortened / the upcoming new year

• Indicate distance of a destination + means of travel, e.g. 2 days by foot, car, horseback, etc.
• Indicate the character's response to travel, e.g. tired, cranky, invigorated at the journey’s end

• Use transitions as time markers.
• Short transitions: 28 hours after Mike received the telegram / the next morning / that night
• Longer transitions: The following month/year