Where to Timeline and Storyboard: eSolutions

Ever feel the need to create a timeline or Storyboard for your story events and don't have enough wall space? I've found a few solutions, some of which make great brainstorming and notes organizing options as well.






Aeon Timeline has created an app for the Mac that allows one to make a timeline and indicate when characters enter and leave (and their ages). The app synchronizes with Scrivener. The latest version can be downloaded FREE here, where you will also find a link to the User Manual. On the down side, I found it a wee bit difficult to use, however I admit I haven't read the User Manual yet. This timeline program is the only one I found (with quick search) that seems to be specifically geared toward writers of creative books. However, other timeline programs may be adaptable even though they are designed with commercial, or business applications in mind:

• http://www.matchware.com/en/products/mindview/education/timelines.htm
• http://www.wrike.com/lp/project-timeline-software?gclid=CNOy-b_o-q0CFYZrKgodGG23tw#
• http://www.tiki-toki.com/  (This one is web-based and sign up is free, hmmm I may try this.)
• http://www.timelinemaker.com/
• http://timeglider.com/  (Another web-based application.)
• http://www.beedocs.com/  (Specifically for the Mac.)
• http://timelinesoftware.com/

LinoIt provides an online space for placing (and moving around) virtual stickies on a virtual cork board online site. Access to your cork board can be given to others for viewing and/or collaboration. There are many possible applications for this site, but for writers of books the most obvious is as a virtual Storyboard location. Stickies are moveable and can even be color coded. Photographs and graphic images can be integrated into the stickies. Use is FREE, however you need a FREE account to access all it's features. If you just want to check it out, you can do so without setting up an account. There are accessible examples of cork boards in a variety of topic areas. If you use an iPad or iPhone, there is a FREE lino app that gives you access to your linoit account.

CorkboardMe is another virtual stickies on a virtual cork board online site. It is also FREE to use and, unlike LinoIt, it does not require an account for use. The minute you click on the TRY IT button, you're taken to a virtual board and given an url for return or sharing. This site is a bit more pared down than LinoIt's site, but still useful.


Of course, I told you in the previous post, about Scrivener's storyboarding capabilities. If you just want something for yourself, this is the easiest to use since a storyboard is automatically generated as you write (you need to type the synopsis/information you want on each card). However, if you want to share your cork board you have to make a screen shot of each section separately. This is also not conducive to efficient and easy collaboration.


Anyone have a different timeline or storyboard program they care to share? Helpful information on the ones in this blog?

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