also use draw, yours, a friend an artist etc , describe them, making a scheme story board, cara design(model sheet), use colour shceme ref., a few basis psy emphasis, exagerated or not depending of caracters, balance, add intrigue, romance, historical ref, lot of metaphor, actuality event that been popular "re-backgrounded" (overall lot of docu. and specific, generalistic researchs) etc. etc. "Jule vernes say: 'no it will never happen !' " ; ) (oh and keep in mind a book is never finished, published, or released, it just escape from your mind and hands @ some point) - - - Updated - - - (oops double but ...) oh and most important Jeb must be your friend if you want to write a bestseller ; o p