Gathering Ideas For Writing: Mapping

Posted by qpen on July 27, 2009

Previously, we discussed Keeping an Idea Book and Writing In A Journal FreeWriting, and Brainstorming, today we will be discussing:

Mapping

Mapping, also called clustering, webbing, or mind mapping, similar to brainstorming is more visual and less linear. Many writers find that mapping frees them to think more creatively by associating ideas more easily.

To map, start with your topic circled in the middle of a sheet of unlined paper, or a blank document on the computer. Next, draw a line radiating out from the center and label it with the name of a major subdivision of your topic.

Circle it and from that circle radiate out to more specific subdivisions. When you finish with one major subdivision of your subject, go back to the center and strt again with another major division.

As you go along, add anything that occurs to you for any section of the map. Continue the process until you run out of ideas.

Mapping can also be used like a subject tree to lay out the logical relationships of ideas to each other.

But many writers seem to prefer to use mapping for discovering ideas already known but not remembered. Use the techniques that suit you best.

Next time we will be discussing: Incubation

=============

If you would like information on marketing your articles or online business, please visit my other site: UMarketingU.com where you will find marketing ideas, hints and tips. Up to the minute information for your online and offline marketing!

You can connect with me via social media sites at – Facebook – Twitter – LinkedIn – Hellotxt – Dipity.com and Stumble Upon. If you are not signed up…they are free…you will meet a lot of other marketers to communicate with and possibly JV with. Social Networking is on fire right now, so be sure to use it. Note: with Hellotxt.com and Dipity.com you can update all your social sites!   I look forward to being “social” with you!