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

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