My planning process is messy.
I like having the freedom to let my creativity thrive. I use mind-mapping a lot during my planning process and this has helped me with my writing.
I have always used mind-maps.
Whether for writing or university work, mind-maps have always been my go-to when starting a project. I always handwrite my mind-maps but there are ditigal mind-mapping tools out there that might be helpful for those of you who prefer keeping all your documents in one computer file.
The key to a mind-map is having a starting point. The central bubble off which all your other ideas will bounce off of. In terms of writing, this can be whatever is key to your novel. Often I use my first idea, be it a character or a setting or a vibe. In the case of this blog, let us se an example I’ve used in the past of a troll who likes blue socks.
Place this key idea in the centre and let your ideas flow.
The thing about a mind-map is that what you write can be totally random and one idea quickly lead into another. When it comes to a novel idea, I think oif those basics again, the who, why, where and what. I consider the setting, the characters and anything less I can think of about the novel and allow them to become the broad strokes, the first branches of the mind-map.
Then I start to build more branches.
The thing that makes mind-maps such a great solo brainstorming tool is that each idea should stem off into a new idea, steadily creating a productive tree of ideas. Look at each of the first branches you rote and try to think of finve more things that remind you of it. Again, these ideas can be totally random and you do not have to use any of them. It’s just about sparking ideas.
Then look at each sub-branch and see what that reminds you of and keep the ideas flowing. You probably won’t use most of these ideas but your initial mind-map isn’t about creating a solid plan of your story but rather to get your creative juices flowing.
Once the map is complete, you can take out the ideas that you liked and start a new mind-map with them. And start developing ideas all over again. Setting a time limit can also be a good idea when your at the beginning stages. I like listen to a playlist of songs that either suit the mood of the novel I want to write so will inspire ideas or is filled with songs that hype me up when I am mind-mapping.
I know that some people dislike mind maps because they feel overwhelmed by the blank page or because they dislike the messiness of them.
However, mind-maps can be more structured.
Again, we start with a central idea. However, this time set the first branches to different aspects of your novel; the setting, the theme, the characters, the aesthetic, the plot. Do the same process as before, but this time you keep your ideas located in set areas of the page and your ideas more organized.
The key thing to remember about mind-maps no one needs to see them. They are purely a tool to use to develop your ideas. They do not need to be perfect. It’s just brain storming.
I love using mind-maps but I know that they are not for everyone. It might not work for you, but that’s okay. Writing is subjective and sometimes we have to find what doesn’t work in order to find what does.