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Mind Mapping Your Story

Mind map a novel example

Mind mapping and creative writing go hand in hand. Each uses the same side of the brain to flesh out ideas into a fully-fledged product. I used mind-mapping extensively, even taught it, but confess to letting the practice slide as my linear mode took over.

I was reminded of it while reading a brief article by Diane Harding, a Sydney based author of adult and children’s books, on the SSOA website. It was difficult to access the article so I reproduce it here for you.

How I write

By Diane Harding, SSOA author

Are you interested in how I write a novel or short story of fiction?

I always start writing with a mind map.

Of course I have an idea initially that I ponder on for a while.

Then I try to write a mind map of the story line. At first it only has the idea which is often one or two sentences that will be added to as time goes by.

Character mapping

Then I write a map of the characters. Usually, this is only the main character and perhaps one or two others.

Now I can start to write.

Little by little the story unfolds and characters become real. As I progress I add personalities to my characters and add other characters and peripheral people. I always write their full names and ages as I have been caught out not remembering their family name from chapter 3 when I am up to chapter 40 and have to go back to find out.

Bringing characters to life

I discovered how important it was to flesh out my character’s personalities especially when one is thinking they might be the killer and then discovering their personality wouldn’t fit this action well.

Suddenly the story begins to be written by the characters themselves. They move and speak in a way that is consistent with what is happening and I get quite excited about it. How will the story go?

An unknown journey

Of course my original idea had an ending so I know where to go, but I don’t know how it will get there.

There may be twists and turns, extra characters and sudden shocks, but all the time I am going towards the end.

Of course this doesn’t mean I’m stuck in a rut. I have the writer’s prerogative to change the story, throw out a character, start all over again or even abandon it.

You can google mind maps and find one that suits you. They aren’t always used by writers. I have used some in the past for business letters to set up a strategy. It is very satisfying and helps organise your thoughts.

So why don’t you give it a go? “

Mind mapping a novel or non-fiction work is ideal. It gives a visual representation that you can follow and allows you to ‘dump’ thoughts as they come to you.

Mind map a novel example
Example of a mind map for a novel by Joanna Penn

You can use mind maps to extend out an idea.

Use the title of your work in the centre circle on the page then add branches as ideas come to you about what to include. You can then organise those thoughts and use the mind map as an outlining tool.

Need to keep track of your characters? Create a character mind map. Include what detail and relationships you like. Here’s a simple one I created now using the free mindmup.com tool.

Character mind map for novel

If you don’t have a mindmap tool, there are plenty around since Tony Buzan came up with the concept. Freemind is a long-term player in the field and one I’ve used for years. It’s small, simple, free and very functional. There are a few free online ones too including http://mindmapfree.com. Search around for the tool that serves you best. For me, I use a tool when I need to present a map but there’s nothing like the flexibility of a pen and paper version.

Learn the basics from this video.

Review these and other books on how to mind map.

Try out mind mapping for your next project. See how it works for you.

I promise, once you get the hang of it you’ll want to keep using it. It’s so intuitive and easy and comprehensive.

Glad I found Diane’s article: I’m off to mindmap my next book!

Chris Hammer Wins Dagger Award

chris hammer

Published July 2018, Scrublands was Chris Hammer’s first published crime novel.

Just over a year later, Chris Hammer – the author has won the 2019 John Creasy New Blood Award for best crime novel by a first-time author. The award was part of the UK Crime Writers Association Dagger Awards, one of the top awards for crime fiction writers.

Described by the Daggers as “a heatwave of a novel, scorching and powerful and with an acute sense of place”, Hammer impressed the judges with the depth and complexity of this unique story set in a harsh environment.

Set in a fictional NSW town, Scrublands explores the impact of prolonged drought on a rural town. A priest opens fire on his own congregation and many years later, a journalist unearths new secrets that turn the original investigation on its head.

Rural crime is a quietly growing sub-genre and Hammer covers it well. His latest book is Silver which explores crime in a seaside town that becomes very close to home. Hammer comes from a background of 30 years in journalism before venturing into crime writing.

Listen to Chris on ABC radio talking about Scrublands.

chris hammer      

 

 

12 Facts About James Patterson

james-patterson-author

When you look to models of success in writing, James Patterson has to be at or near the top of your list. You may not enjoy his books but you can’t deny his prodigious talent. Those writers looking for exemplary models of the craft of writing need to look elsewhere for a role model.

james-patterson-author

If you’re looking, however for how to earn a living from your writing, how to find and satisfy readers, and how to leave a legacy as a writer, then it’s worth the effort to study Patterson.

How do you study an author?

Read that author’s books for a start.

Follow them on social media. Research their path to success. Note the key indicators which you could replicate.

In the case of James Patterson, there are multiple credits to claim him as a role model from which to learn.

  1. First ebook author to sell a million ebooks
  2. 114 New York Times Best Sellers
  3. A PhD candidate at Vanderbilt Uni
  4. Wrote 10 books while CEO of J Walter Thompson, North America
  5. In 1991 one of his books was produced for television
  6. His first book was rejected 31 times
  7. He won the Edgar Award for best new novel in 1977
  8. Currently produces 20 books each year with collaborators
  9. He has written over 147 novels since 1976
  10. He writes in thrillers, non-fiction, romance, young adult, children
  11. In 2016 he was the highest-paid author at $95m
  12. He has sold more than 230 million books

In summary, for me, these facts tell me that Patterson is an intelligent person who has practised success academically and in his career. Once you taste success then you are more likely to be successful in more than one area of your life. Patterson seems to have a talent in the areas he chooses to move into.

He is driven by achievement. Whether he set out to win awards or not I can’t say. That he can claim credit to multiple awards wins since his first is clear. A person accustomed to success usually looks to the recognition of that success and in writing, awards are one of those markers. It would not surprise me that Patterson aimed for certain awards.

He writes to market. As a savvy advertiser of many years, Patterson would have recognised where to focus his efforts if he wanted to be a successful author.

He shares his largesse. He is comfortable mentoring other writers and helping them to succeed. Add to that his extensive and impressive philanthropic pursuits. Patterson reinvests in the industry which has embraced his work.

He is prepared to test new waters. Switching genres is not recommended but once you’re successfully published in one space it is a new challenge to explore and succeed in other genres.

Patterson is often criticized for his collaborations and that he writes less than plots. At 72 years of age and with such a massive back-catalogue, we might forgive him his effort to continue publishing.

What warms me to Patterson’s highly commercial approach is his philanthropic position. He has instigated awards and campaigns to encourage reading and directly contributes to many causes and organizations which support literacy.

Patterson has never claimed to be a craftsman. He aims for commercial success and his fans have a voracious appetite. How can that be wrong?

Read more details through https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Patterson.

 

Creating Fantasy Worlds: J K Rowling

J.K. Rowling has created arguably the most fantastical world in contemporary times.

Her success in the Potter franchise is widely acknowledged.

Writing fantasy fiction in any form has not been my interest even though I love Harry Potter and the entire series. I was as captivated as any child, reading those books. Even though it’s not my genre as a writer, I respect Rowling’s genius in creating her amazing world.

If you want to get a glimpse of what’s involved in creating such a world then reading these insights is worth your while.

It’s through the detail and integrity of place and people that Rowling has captured her world for all to share.

Now, if you want to learn from a highly successful writer, then this video is one to watch.

Early on you will see that she was passionate about creating her world (even if she did get the train station wrong). The completeness of her notes and drawings and scribbles is a testament to someone who lived her imagination so continuously.

What you’ll also learn is how disorganised she may seem (though she knows where everything is) and, how focussed she was on the minutiae of her world to make it authentic.

Note: she redid chapter one some 15 times until she felt she had it right. (And I groan at doing my first edit!). It’s a great reminder to analyse your story to make sure you’re not giving away the plot too early and to feel ok letting some of your words go.

“It felt as though I was carving a book out of this mass of notes …condensing and editing and sculpting.” If you have enough material, you have the luxury of deciding what to leave out, what to put where and how to best massage your story.

Watch the video and make sure you take notes. Learn from the greats.

https://youtu.be/3qTKRZ9qilU

 

Taree Scribblers Writing Group

I love a good writing group. And there are plenty of them. Taree Scribblers is one.

Writing Groups

Writing groups run along similar lines but do it differently which is why one’s experience of a writing group varies from one to another. Much of the variation between writing groups is down to both the process they follow and the mix of people in the room.

Even though it was a 170km round trip to head to Taree, it was definitely worth the effort.

When you join up somewhere new, you want to feel welcomed and the Taree Scribblers crew did that. A friendly and inclusive mob of writers.

When you join a writing group you want to feel that you gain a benefit in some way.

For some, it is simply to escape the isolation of writing alone and have a writerly chat over a cuppa. For others, it’s getting their work validated through reading or critique. Others prefer to learn something through a workshop or lesson on some aspect of their craft. Yet others, it’s about practising their craft through writing sessions or exercises.

Taree Scribblers covers all those bases.

At the session I attended there was a brief cover of general business to update the membership on things such as competitions, publications, financials etc.

Read Your Writing Out Loud

Then onto reading of short pieces for those who wanted to play. Each month they set a theme word or phrase and I’d been forewarned so had my 500 words ready. When you read aloud there’s always something of the shy 10-year-old that pops up and cringes wondering if it’s boring or tiresome or inadequate. No such feelings at Taree Scribblers. Each piece was warmly received: all writers were of a confident and capable standard. I felt my piece said ‘I deserve a place at your table’. It was my credibility stake in the ground. Once I’d heard others, I knew I could learn from this group of published and polished writers.

Writing Competitions

After a short tea break it was onto a workshop session covering how competitions are judged and how to prepare your submission for success. This was an excellent session and I wish I’d realised it was on – I had to leave early for another appointment but would have made arrangements to stay for the whole session. Anything run by Jacqueline Winn is worth sticking around for!

So for my money, I’ll be back. Taree Scribblers is now a regular on my calendar.

Check out writer’s groups in your neck of the woods and get along to see how well it matches your needs as a writer.

Taree Scribblers

Taree Scribblers meet the second Wednesday of the month in Taree from 10-12.30/1pm.

taree scribblers

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