It's all in the mind
Is mind-mapping useful?
In a recent article on software for planning a novel, I referred to mind-mapping as a technique for developing ideas. The apps/software I mentioned were Freemind and Scapple but the technique pre-dates computers by a long way.
I first used it in the 1970s in groups working on organisational planning. At that time we’d use large sheets of paper and felt-tip pens, stuck to the wall with Blu-Tack. I’ve also produced mind-maps with a simple pad and pen. As with so many things, the medium is unimportant, it’s the process which matters.
So, what is mind-mapping? In the past, you may have heard it called ‘brain-storming’ but that phrase has now largely been replaced. In it’s simplest form it is about focussing on an initial thought and seeing where it takes you. A bit like planting a random seed and seeing what grows from it.
Mind-mapping can be used at any stage of the process as a way of unlocking your thinking and creativity. For example, I’ve used it when thinking about a new novel, and where I only have the vaguest idea of a story. In the beginning I may only know that there will be a murder involved and where it’s located, so I’d put that at the centre of my page and surround it by the issues I need to consider.
From here, I’d perhaps move on to considering what questions I need to ask to expand my knowledge of this world and what’s happening in it. It’s important not to reject anything at this point, just scribble it down and see where the next step leads.
As I begin to answer questions, more questions may arise, and so the map continues to expand. This is perhaps where something like Freemind or Scapple become useful – you pretty quickly run out of space on a sheet of paper – but there’s always sticky tape to expand if you need to.
The eagle-eyed amongst you will have noticed that some of these branches haven’t been finished. That’s partly because it’s already quite complex, and partly because There’s probably more than enough there to move to the next stage of planning. Perhaps I can’t think of answers to some of the questions at this time e.g. why was the victim killed and how were they killed, or perhaps I’d prefer to take those questions to a mind map of their own.
Each of these branches might then be expanded with more detail, or more questions, until, hopefully, the ones which work best can be identified.
There’s no magic trick in this, it’s simply a way of plugging into your creativity and capturing what comes out.
I referred earlier to Freemind and Scapple, so here are the links to find out more, and download if you want to try them out:
Freemind - SourceForge.net
Scapple - Literature & Latte (literatureandlatte.com)
There are lots of videos on mind-mapping and on Fremind, Scapple and their alternatives, but feel free to ask me any questions using the comments.