Or maybe you need a jump-start?
Here lately, my writing resembled a stalled car with a dead battery.
After finishing a couple of projects, I can’t seem to revive a WIP I’d put on a back burner. Seems as if the life support I’ve had this particular WIP is failing. So, I’m toying with pulling the plug, and starting something new.
But where to start?
How do I begin?
Rereading books on structure and outline can’t seem to get my engine revved and going.
I recently read an article about Mind Mapping for writers.
Now for many of you this is not a new concept. However, I’ve been so focused on outlining that I hadn’t given much thought to Mind Mapping. Until now.
How to Use a Mind Map to Start Your Book BY
Ms. Amir refers to Mind Mapping as “The Brain Dump” method. I think that may be part of my problem. There is so much swirling around in my mind that I need to clean house. A brain dump might be the thing for me.
My first go at Mind Mapping, I used a large sheet of paper and wrote thoughts down in small squares. However, I like the idea of Post-It Notes. The small notes are flexible and easier to move around to the right location.
There are several ways to Mind Map and several programs for you Techies. In this article, Ms. Amir gives links to software programs if you want to give mapping with your computer a try.
Questions:
- Do you think Mind Mapping might jump-start your writing?
- Have you ever used Mind Mapping?
- Which technique did you use?
- Did you like the process?
You’ve made it this far, let me know what you think and two more seconds to share this post with your friends on Facebook and Twitter.
Thank you!
If you’re not already, I’d be much obliged if you would follow me @jeancogdell on Twitter or jean.cogdell on Facebook!
Jean's Writing 
I’m a pen and paper person too. Both for mind mapping and also doing a timeline. I’ve tried to use Excel for a timeline but it just doesn’t work for me.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I tried Excel too, no success. LOL
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks this is a relay good idea I think I might try it once the 1st draft is finished to organise my ideas for the re-write
LikeLiked by 1 person
Never thought about using it for re-writes. Good idea.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have them occasionally
LikeLiked by 1 person
I do a kind of ‘mind mapping’ – I write little 10 minute vignettes of my characters and story line in what I call ‘pods.’ After I have 10-20 pods, I put them in a certain order, and write on from there. BTW, my WIP has stalled a bit too: I’ve decided to change the tense of the POV (from 3rd to 1st for one character, and from 1st to 3rd for the other). I think this may spark my plug. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great suggestions. I might try writing about the characters rather than the story, see what sparks. Thanks
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve used mind-mapping for years, to sort out themes and conflicts and overall plot arcs. I can’t use computer programs to do this – there is some creative link between hand and brain than needs me to be holding the pencil. Generally I use the mindmap to then create a list or lists since I prefer those to create outlines, but the mindmap is the starting point.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I agree, seems when I’m brain-storming, it works best with pencil and paper.
LikeLike