A Frustrated Take on Mind-Mapping Part II.

This post might make more sense, or you might relate a bit more, after reading Part I as well as Kate’s mind-mapping post.

Ta da!!! Here is my second attempt at mind-mapping:

Ok, this round was much better, probably because of all the ideas sparked in my first attempt and all of the little lessons learned during that failure. First, I found a pretty picture to be the epic centre of my mind-map because I wanted to. Second, I decided that my topic was Fae in Urban Fantasy because UF is the genre I’m currently trying to work in and where I want to stay for the time being. Next, I started out by defining what a fairy tale is because that’s how I work. It’s the itty bitty scientist in me who likes to do that because I don’t allow myself to be sidetracked from a definition. Then I took a break to let my brain haggle out some details. Finally, when I sat down pen in hand, I set myself a 10 minute timer because I spent WAY too long on the first one.

The 10 minute cut-off was surprisingly effective, I knew I needed to work fast and not get bogged down by pretty-ness, major details, or connections. I was able to just let the little things flow and I wrote down everything that popped into my head. Everything in black was done within the 10 minute time frame, I went back with my blue highlighter to pick out the ideas I liked the most. I then carefully read what the anthology we are all writing stories for wants since I started both mind maps knowing only that they want short stories about Fae in Fairy Tales. The green highlighter reflects what the anthology is looking for that I didn’t already have down –it’s always an awesome coincidence when what you want to write is what someone is looking to read! Generally speaking of course. The tip about highlighting later was a good one.

Despite Kate’s How To about estranging yourself from your main idea, I find I don’t like to get too far away from my centre idea because I worry I’ll get lost or unfocused. But you might not work like that. Personally, I don’t need a million avenues to think about before I start writing, I don’t think I’d ever finish a story. But if you come at the mind-map with nothing I think it’s a brilliant thing to do. I started this all with an idea sparked with just the topic given to me and a UF world I’m already working on (thankfully).

After performing two attempts, I think this mind-mapping deal might have some promise. I can’t say it’s my favourite form of idea sparking but I think I could easily resort to it if I found myself stuck. My major issue is I just don’t work visually, I work with information. If you find yourself wanting to smack your head on your desk trying to do this you’re probably like me and you should find a different form that works for you.

In Part I, I mentioned that instead of mind-mapping I make tables, I scribble paragraphs, and I do point form. If any of those sound like they’re up your alley, try them! Experimenting never hurts.