Using mind maps for writing books may replace outlining, at least as the first step in writing a book. They are so easy to use that you might decide that they are magical. Find out how to use a mind map to jumpstart your next big writing project.
What is a mind map?
A mind map is a graphic organizer, a way to organize information or ideas on paper in an organic and somewhat pictorial way rather than in a linear fashion, such as in an outline or a list. The central or main idea is written inside a circle or other shape in the middle of the paper, and the related and supporting ideas branch off of that central item. Once you understand the concept the importance and benefits of mind maps become clear.
Here is a video showing the creation of a mind map. It’s aimed at teachers in an educational setting, but the concept and process are the same.
Who came up with mind mapping?
Spider-shaped graphic organization of ideas has been around for centuries, and has been attributed to greats such as Leonardo DaVinci. Some attribute mind maps to the much more recent Tony Buzan, and he certainly tried to trademark it and the permutations of the name. According to Euan at 3mrt.com, who left a comment about it on mind-mapping.org, Mr. Buzan lost his lawsuit, and the name may be used without trademark infringement.
Using mind maps for writing books
Many writers hate using outlines, but organizing information and ideas is crucial—especially for nonfiction books. A graphic organizer such as a mind map is excellent for this purpose. It allows us to dump onto the paper all of the thoughts we have bouncing around in our brains, and see connections between things we may not have seen otherwise. Some fiction authors use mind mapping for writing stories, creating characters, and more. Advantages of mind mapping are plentiful.
If you’re curious about how to mind map a textbook chapter, it’s the same as for any other nonfiction book. If you’re interested in how to mind map for writing an essay, it’s similar to doing one for a nonfiction book, but your piece will be shorter so your graphic organizer will have fewer ovals—probably three to five.
After scrawling out the broad categories and supporting details, it’s a simple matter to organize and reorganize things until they look good. Then, we just type up our outline straight from our mind map. I have seen authors who struggled for weeks to create an outline, but after I took a few minutes to show them how to use a mind map for writing books, they had their books organized in one sitting. It is amazing to see.
Using mind maps for writing books is a great way to capture everything that will need to go into your outline (which will become your Table of Contents). In mind maps, you can link concepts. The mind map can also help you develop relationships between concepts.
Sentences not needed
It’s important for me to say that when you are using mind maps for writing books, or for any other purpose for that matter, you do not need to use complete sentences.
Just put in the oval or on the line whatever it is that you will need to jog your memory later. That way, you will know what it means and what you need to put into your book’s outline. Sometimes one word will do.
Supplies for mind mapping
You have some options here. You can use sticky notes in a variety of colors and sizes, markers or colored pens on chart paper or a dry erase board, or mind mapping software for writers. Some people prefer software. There are some webbased mind map programs, both paid and free. I prefer the more tactile experience of markers on paper.
How do I make a mind map for free?
All you really need is a pencil and paper. Sometimes I use a free mind map starter sheet sheet I created to use myself and to share with you. When I want more room, I use chart paper. Click the images to see their current pricing on Amazon.
How to make a mind map for writing books
There are a few different ways you can go about this, but the process is basically the same.
You’ll start with your central theme or topic for your book, and write it in a circle or elliptical shape in the middle. Then think of the main categories or aspects of your topic that you want your book to address, and spread them around your central item, each in its own circle. These may be chapters or other sections of your book. You’ll want to be sure you have them all, but don’t worry if you don’t have them all right now. You can always add another one.
When you’re brainstorming, you can start by writing ideas and concepts down on a few sticky notes, using one color for each main division. Line up similar ideas with colored sticky notes. You can add notes to different parts of the mind map as your ideas evolve, and even add photos and notes to make your map more interesting.
Mind maps are not limited to one color and can grow over time. Each note should contain one single thing, such as an idea, a concern, or a point. As you go along, you can move the notes around to make more room for other ideas and concepts.
Not set in stone
You could also use chart paper, a poster board, or a dry erase board with markers. This is a little less flexible than using Post-It notes is, but it’s not set in stone. It can be revised.
Regardless of which tools you choose, a mind map can be colorful and you can use a variety of colors to organize different thoughts, express feelings, and exercise your creative side.
Look at the categories. (It’s tempting for me to say, “Look at one category at a time as you start to use mind maps for writing books,” but that’s a left-brained approach, and that absolutely is not needed here. Jump from one to another all you want).
Add little branches to the categories, and on each branch, place supporting information that would be needed for your book. If you know something that is needed, but you don’t have it yet, you might want to put a star or dot beside that one, so you have a visual representation of the research you still need to do.
Admiring your work
Step back and look at your mind map. Do you notice anything that is missing? Add it. Do you see connections between clumps? Draw lines between them. You may wish to organize your book differently based on what you see in your mind map.
Know that you are the one in control. If you want to make changes, make changes.
If you want help creating or using mind maps for writing books, check out this mind mapping workshop. You might also enjoy checking out one of our programs that helps you write your book, Your Book Bakery.
When you’re satisfied with your mind map, turn it into an outline.
Best wishes to you as you use mind maps for writing books. If you have any questions, just let me know by sending an email to Jennifer at Harshman Services.com or find me on Facebook.