how to use mindmapping to plan and outline your novel

Mind maps are the underrated favorite around here, and they're used for all kinds of things. Today, though, we will be digging deep into multiple ways to use this amazing tactic to take your novel planning to the next level.

What is Mind Mapping and Why Should I Do It?

• Definition -- The simplest answer is that it is a diagram used to visually organize information. The longer answer is that it is a tool to both brainstorm and arrange connecting ideas in a very non-linear process. This allows for one to begin with a central thoughts and link others to it in a very intuitive, graphical way. It can be used to help you find missing pieces in your novel, organize related pieces of information as a whole, and get the creative side of your brain working.
• Used for lots of things. Not only is this a relatively simple tool but it is also very adaptable to different projects. In this post, we will be focusing entirely on how we can use mind mapping to improve our novel planning, but it can also be used to develop ideas on everything from branding to scheduling to book launches. Here are a few ways it can be useful for novels:
  • Note taking -- By collecting all your thoughts at the beginning with a mind map, you can jot down notes in a way that makes sense and will help you connect each piece to one big picture so you don't forget anything.
  • Brainstorming -- Using mind maps to brain storm is a lot like freewriting, except it's non-linear and you can link thoughts in a more visual way.
  • Planning things out -- If you already have a lot of ideas in your head, mind mapping can help you get them out without having to worry about whether it's in order or not. It can also be useful to planning your novel-- from outline to character relationships and more.
  • Jumpstarting your creativity -- The very nature of mind mapping allows your brain to relax from the rules of perfectionism for a while and gives a chance to really just get ideas out there. There is no right or wrong ideas when you mind map, and this can really help jumpstart your creativity.
• Flexible to your own style. Ultimately, mind mapping is a tool that is incredibly versatile and can be adapted to whatever you need it to be.

How You Can Do It:

• Large scale paper: Whether you happen to have a giant sheet of paper around or you tape some together on the back, having a large physical writing space is our favorite way to mind map.
• Stylus with a tablet: If you're more of a techie and you want to have your mind map accessible across devices or stored in your novel databases, using a stylus on a tablet or touch-sensitive laptop can be a good option.
• Whiteboard/chalkboard: Perhaps you are wanting a more immersive experience, or a way where you can easily change things as you go. A whiteboard or chalkboard could be the answer for you. While you will want to make sure you copy down the information at the end so you don't lose it, this is a great way to mind map, especially if you struggle with empty page block.

Now that we've covered a lot of the details on what, why, and how, it's time to get into specifics! Again, mind mapping is, in the end, entirely up to you and flexible to your style, so what we list below is not hard fast rules. Instead, think of it as guidelines to help you get started!


STEP BY STEP HOW TO FOR OUTLINING A NOVEL PLOT

1. Start with your central idea. Whether that is a character that popped in your head, a fragmented piece of inspiration, a story premise, or even a fascinating sentence, this is what you're going to put down first. Usually, the middle of your work surface is a good place to write this down.
2. Stem off with some big ideas/major plot points. Jumping off of your central focal point, begin brainstorming for some big ideas or major plot points. Don't worry if not all of these make it into the final outline-- this is just to get ideas out there.
3. Use each section as landing points for smaller thoughts. After brainstorming for bigger plot points, now is the time to revisit each and build off of each. What happens leading up to this point? How does the character react? Why is this important in the story? If you find that some just aren't fitting in the grand scheme of the novel, you can remove them.
4. Using lines, connect the dots between points. By connecting ideas across the board, you can now begin to see a picture forming of your novel. Considering a timeline as well and perhaps marking that in another color is also a good way to make use of your information now.
5. When complete, step back and organize information in a linear fashion. At the end, an outline needs to be easy to read and accessible, so now you need to take all your plot points, timelines, and thoughts and draft them into a chronological outline. There you have it! This process can be done several times to fine tune your outline, if necessary.

STEP BY STEP FOR SERIES

• Write series premise etc in center. Again, you're going to start in the center. Here you can write your series premise, or your seedling idea.
• Use a wheel like style to branch off for each specific book. Using the wheel method really works for series because it's such a huge map to be focusing on. By branching out to create mini mind maps within the larger one you can come up with ideas in an organized, effective manner but still see the big picture.
• For each book bubble, allow yourself to brainstorm. This step is going to be repeated in pretty much every step by step section here, because it's the basic goal of the mind map. Allow yourself the freedom to write down whatever pops in your head.
• Create bubbles for ideas crossing books and connect them. As you fill in sections per book, look at how in intersects with the other books and make the connections. Consider questions like these:
  • Which characters show up in each book?
  • What order are the books, so what needs to happen in each?
  • Will you have hidden Easter eggs, or subplots that become major plots later? Figure those out now!

STEP BY STEP FOR CHARACTERS

• Map out sections for each character. Create a bubble for each character to be starting points within your mind map.
• Group by family/association. A great tip is to group the characters by family or association, so you can brainstorm and see connections at a glance.
• Add details like personality types, relatives, and more. Mind map details such as personality types, their relations, and important scenes.
• Connect characters with lines to other characters. Different colored lines, little memos and more can help you connect characters with other characters. Some reasons you might want to do this: What characters are good friends? What characters are in a relationship? What characters have bad feelings towards each other?
• Use different colors for different meanings. This can apply to any of the types of mind map, honestly, but it's especially useful with character maps. By color coding your work, you can amplify the visual side of things.

STEP BY STEP CHAPTERS:

• Form bubbles for each chapter, then fill in with major scenes. If you want a more in depth, chapter by chapter outline that starts off with a bit more structure and chronological thinking than the outline mind map we mentioned below, start by creating a bubble for each chapter. This works especially well by starting on one side and branching out across the page.
• Use smaller sections for subplot points. As you branch out, continue to spread out into smaller points as you go. Consider subplot points, the elements of a scene, and the story itself.
• Add any notes you want to remember, dialogue ideas, etc. Don't forget to add any memos you want to make sure make it into your draft-- ideas for sentences, symbols, or small snippets of scenes.
• Allow yourself to brainstorm. While this is slightly more structured than the outline map version, still be sure to allow yourself to brainstorm. Doodles on the page? That's totally acceptable, and even encouraged.
• Either compile all the data into a list, or use as your in-depth chapter outline, going each bubble-section at a time. You can take all your information and transfer it into a more readable outline if you like, or, because it is already linear, you could just use this as your master chapter outline.

STEP BY STEP WORLD BUILDING:

• Begin with your country, breaking up into sections as required. Worldbuilding is a rather intricate task as it is, so let mind maps help! Start in the center with your country or world, and then branch off into sections as per your world. This can be state like situations, groups of families, social classes, and so on.
• Consider etymology, culture, history and more. For each section, think about language, history, culture and more. What makes this place unique? How does their language reveal some of their history or culture? It can be useful to go through a world building questionnaire at this stage for each section on some scrap paper and then write down key points on the mind map.
• Mark scenes based on area. As you build your world, consider what happens where, and why. Mark down any scenes that correlate with particular locations, and add any details that need to be known such as terrain, weather, and so on.
• Connect characters to cultures and locations. As you round out your world, figure out where characters belong and how their world impacts them.

STEP BY STEP BRAINSTORMING:

• Use bubbles as starting points to bounce ideas off. For the most basic mind map option, and often an element in other variations of mind mapping: Let's go over brainstorming. Like we mentioned before, brainstorming in a mind map can be a lot like freewriting, except that it's intent isn't just to get you in the flow or try out a new technique. Rather, it is to achieve the goal of gaining new ideas and getting them down on paper, no matter how messy it might be. This means that you have to start writing, and never hesitate to put down a thought you have no matter how strange you might think it is. Start off with brain dumping onto your paper and creating bubbles around each thought. As you continue, you will find that you automatically begin to have trains of thoughts from the beginning one. Write these down too.
• Draw lines between connecting thoughts. As you go, start connecting ideas and thoughts by using lines, arrows, or whatever you choose. This will help you start seeing the big picture form.
• Get rid of the rules. At the end of the day, the rules are meant to be put aside while mind mapping. Don't be afraid to just jump right in, figuring out what works for you as you go along. There's really no wrong way to mind map. It's all about getting to pick your own brain for a while, so whatever works for you, do it!

Well, that's all! With these tactics and ideas, mind maps will be a simple but incredibly rewarding tool for you to use.

Have you used mind maps before? What sort of thing would you mind map?

Stay Fearless!