Researching My Own Work? Yeah...

Today is going to be a research day for me. Research probably isn't the best word, but I'm running with it. I wonder how authors keep track of all the information they have used when they're writing a series. I've been stopped in my writing over the last couple of days because I have to go back and read sections of my first novel to remember what exactly I'd written about a few later scenes before I can move on with the prequel and I just haven't had time to do that. I really need to get organized. Any suggestions on this point would be appreciated! One of my pet peeves is inconstancy and I certainly don't want to be accused of it! I've worked very hard on the time line of my world and it's something I'm a bit proud of. Now to just get the rest of the facts straight. I think my biggest problem is that I love a good complicated story. I know, crazy. Most people like it simple, but I loved trying to keep up with Jordan's Wheel of Time. I loved all the characters, plots and subplots and, admittedly, I have a lot of characters. The plot isn't as complex as his however. I love how Mary Higgins Clark goes back and forth between characters and that's what I've done. I don't mind books that follow just one character all the way through. I'm definitely not picky in that regard, but I like a little chaos... (Maybe that's why I had kids!) So research is on the schedule today. Does it count as research when it's something you've written? Hahaha!