Writer's Toolbox

Writer's Toolbox

       Artists and writers have been known to use mind maps as a means of understanding a visual product. “Mind maps” are diagrammatic sketches that lead an artist or writer to be more open and comfortable with communicating and going about their ideas.

       Artists like Leonardo Da Vinci kept sketches in his sketchbooks that are similar to the mind maps that people use today. He used his sketches as way to knock down the linear thinking that many of us are used to. Mind maps tend to be quick and improvisational and aren't meant to be questioned until they are finished. Once done, the author or writer will try to find similarities and connections in certain words or phrases generated. Mind maps are typically drawn out on large sheets of paper. Because mind mapping is so spontaneous, many participants find themselves surprised when they reach the edge of the sheet.

       The process of creating a mind map starts with a central word. From there, participants will relate that word with a few other words. Then those few words will be associated with other words, and so on. As you make more connections and move further and further away from the central word, your connections to the initial word will weaken. This process is so helpful because it helps participants to branch out and develop new ideas.

       It is important to disregard the typical rules of writing in constructing a mind map. This type of freewriting allows for more productive thinking. After all, mind maps are for the writer alone.