Mind maps to create characters.

Mind maps to create characters.

Whether you plan to use flowcharts, digital whiteboards or just a free association, mental mapping has been around for quite some time. People use it to take notes, exchange ideas and solve problems. A mental map is a tool used to visually organize information or ideas. As a writer, it can be used to solve a writer's block or create a usable plan. Today, I'm going to show you how to create a character sketch.

The sketches of the characters can be very basic or incredibly detailed. This can include the color of the eyes and hair, the blood type and the first kiss of your hero. Many writers connect online and look for predefined character sketches that include hundreds of questions that may not apply to their work. This is where the idea of ?? a mental map is useful.

For those who are not familiar with the process, do not worry, creating a heuristic map is not complicated. This can be done on a sheet of paper, a blackboard or using the software. It does not have to be expensive. There are several FREE programs that will do a great job, including xmind.net, mindmaple.com, and freemind.sourceforge.net.
To create a heuristic map on a subject, there are 4 main steps.

Step 1: 

First, write a draft in the middle of an empty page.

Step 2: 

Add ideas to this concept and use the lines to join them.

Step 3: 

Combine each of these ideas to develop and create new ideas.

Step 4 - 

Use different colors, symbols, and images to create different branches.

To illustrate this process, I will use an example of my own characters. You create different characters but serve as a starting point to make things easier.

My point of departure is always very concrete. I use my character's name and an image of what he should be. Why do I add photos? As it says, a picture is worth a thousand words. "Personally, I put the name and the picture in a red circle in the middle of the page, like a bubble.

I added new ideas to my character. Each idea is placed in its own circle and connected through a curly line. Why a curly line? As the straight lines are boring and analytical, I try to use the creative part of my brain. For the same reason, I will also use another color for each circle and connection line.

I focus on six main points for each character. It includes family, friends, work, training, physics, and secrets. At this point, it may be difficult to create an image for each category. However, you can use symbols, such as an exclamation for secret sections.

This is where happiness begins. I've added 5 additional sub-ideas to each major element. For example, in the family, I called my mother, my dad, my brother, another guy and my story. Each of them will have their own council and will identify them as the main family idea.
Key points to note:

1st point -

 stay simple. One word at a time. You do not write the story as you take the ideas to include in the story.

2nd point 

- Use the color. Vibrant, vibrant colors stimulate the mind. The more the spirit is stimulated, the easier it is to be creative.

3rd point - 

Use curved lines to connect with thoughts. Why Because if you only use straight lines, the brain becomes fast.

4th point -

 Add as many pictures as possible. Why Because if a picture is worth a thousand words, then 10 pictures are worth ten thousand words. By using a word AND an image that attracts both sides of the brain without limiting your potential.

Once you start using mind mapping to write, ideas flow one by one. It's really hard to have a writer hang if ideas come so fast that you can not keep up. This will not solve all your writing problems, but it will make things easier.