Monday, December 5, 2011

Mindmap your Novel with MindMeister


Do any of you use mind maps during the planning stages of your novel? I used to, but these days I don't do much in the way of planning/plotting (*cough*... *pantser* ...). But I recently discovered MindMeister, which looks kind of fun.



Have you used this tool before? Is it easy?
(Cos I haven't actually tried it yet!)

What method of plotting (if any) do you use?
(If it works for you, please share it :-) I need to learn to plot properly!)


8 comments:

David P. King said...

I haven't. But I might just have to check it out. Thanks for sharing! :)

Dr. Mohamed said...

No, I'v never used mind maps. I do it the old fashioned way: I get an idea while watching T.V. or splitting wood or finishing dinner and I jot it down on a piece of napkin, firewood or scrap paper.

Unknown said...

No never used it, but it looks interesting. Will have to check it out. I did a character map once for my MC. It was like navigating a construction zone when I was done. :)

Lesann Berry said...

I've been playing with freemind (open source mind mapping tool) but haven't actually tried to apply it to a work yet. I know there are people who use them before they begin writing but I think I'll find it more useful along the way.

I like to have a visual representation of my storyline - usually a bunch of multicolored lines scrawled onto taped-together pieces of paper. I keep track (visually) of how characters intersect and it helps me know when I've left a plot thread out in the cold too long.

My method is messy and awkward so I'm hoping to be able to use mapping software to smooth it out.

Christine Rains said...

That does look like fun! Yet I'm a pantser too. I've tried to outline, even just a general one, but I never stick to it. The story has to evolve on its own. Plotting before-hand limits me.

erica and christy said...

I've decided plotting will help me write faster and eliminate the numerous days of writer's block I hit. Thanks. I'm definitely checking it out! christy

Cally Jackson said...

I haven't used mind mapping software but I'm planning to give Scrivener a try with my next book. Previously I've done a calendar with different plot points in different colours, which served its purpose - making sure I didn't leave a plot point alone for too long and also enough time for certain issues'

Cally Jackson said...

... to develop properly. Stupid comment box above decided it wouldn't let me say any more!