I use a tool called Freemind to create mind map diagrams about things in my book. I use it to help me with plot, character, setting, pace, all sorts of things. I thought it would be fun to share one I did for my work-in-progress called Heaven's Fishermen. The book is about a boy named Dax who thinks he is a guardian angel, and a girl named Janie whom he is supposed to rescue. Of course, Dax might really be a guardian angel, or he could be an escaped mental patient. I'm not quite sure yet. I've already written a 45k rough draft, and need to add about 20k more.
Here is a plot outline I did recently to help me work on some issues:
The tool has some great icons, like a lightbulb to symbolize an idea, and a red pencil to symbolize an idea that needs refining, and a key to symbolize something key to the plot. Here's a closeup of part of the map:
This section of the book needs lots of refining, but I have come up with several ideas that I am going to explore. Here is a shot of the list of icons Freemind has to offer, so you can see how useful this tool is.
Anyway, I'm off to go refine some of those ideas, or come up with some more. Actually I think I'm going to start another mind map on guardian angel fashion, because I think fashion is a very important part of any book--especially for young adults. I think one of the reasons Hunger Games was so successful was because of the glorious costumes they had to wear (argg, getting distracted--must focus!)
ttl
KFran
4 comments:
Great approach mindmapping a book. I'm v tempted to do that for my own work too. I can see it really helping to work out where things are going before the plot gets locked down. ;)
Pete x
The more I use it, the more I like it. You should try it, the software is free!
Great advice. I'll try and download it when my internet's working a bit faster. :)
I think word of this software should be spread far and wide. :)
Pete x
I used a tool called mind mapper which is very similar, it is very useful to import your own pictures as mindmaps work best as a visual tool and the computer generated branches begin to look a bit to similar. Once I had imported my own pictures I managed to condense my Masters Degree notes onto 13 mindmap pages which made revision a snap. In short whichever tool you use, you need to get your own artwork into it to get the most out of it.
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