The Huffington Post – Jean's Writing

Or are you timid, lady-like and reserved?

Wish I could say that I’m fearless especially when it comes to my writing and to submitting to editors.

But, I’m not. Like many women, I struggle against my upbringing.

“Don’t be pushy, don’t be loud, don’t assume, remember your place, wait your turn….”

Well, that doesn’t work if you want to succeed as a writer.

Did you turn around a send off another piece to that editor who rejected your story or did you sit and sulk? After all, they were just being nice with that note saying they liked it but it just didn’t meet their needs at the time. Right?

Wrong!

And, now I’m kicking myself for being such a wimp after reading this article by Kelli Russell Agodon, who worked as a Co-Editor-in-Chief for six years. Apparently, when an editor takes the time to write a note on your rejection letter, they mean it. (Her article link is at the bottom.)

Women writers, unlike men, often wait much longer before sending additional stories to the publication after receiving a rejection. Men write something new and send it off right away.

Geesh, sometimes I’m such a dunce.

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 NINA AMIR

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?

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Thank you!
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