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| How to Outline your Book and Chapters with Mindmapping |
By:
Judy Cullins |
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How to Outline your Book and Chapters with MindmappingJudy Cullins C. 2003 All Rights ReservedMindmapping is better than linear outlining because authors canuse flexible thinking and relativity in writing their book. One can add and subtract a thought or phrase from a mindmap easily. Mindmappingis an excellent way to start, organize, and finish your book.What is Mindmapping?Mindmapping is a color-coded outline of main ideas, sub topicsand details, printed on different colored branches connected tothe center. In the center in a circle, you will list your main idea,such as your book or chapter title.For "The One-Minute Sales Person", Spencer's mindmap wouldhave had seven different colored vertical branches coming fromthat center, so details can be put on connected horizontalbranches. (much easier to read)What are the advantages of Mindmapping?First, a mindmap is open-ended and open-minded. No moresqueezing new "ahas" or ideas into the strict, tight form of thelinear outline. You can make mistakes in your mindmaps.Imperfection leads to creativity. When you get an idea forchapter one, you can just add another branch off the main one.Mindmapping expands flexible thinking, making for betterwriting.Second, mindmaps use only three to five concrete or colorwords on a branch. These key words help jog our memory.Under Chapter One "Attracting Passion," I added severalhorizontal lines that represented the format that follows. Oneline had "opening quote," the next one "introduction," the nextone "Jerry's Story," the next "Food for Thought and Action," thenext, "Passion Hot Line," the last line, "practice."Third, mindmaps speed up your writing because you only writekey phrases. When you sit down at the computer, from yourcolor-coded map, the answers will flow naturally. If you need tofatten up your chapter, just go to your chapter file folders whereyou keep your research.Fourth, in mindmaps you see the whole related to the parts.Your thesis, chapter titles, and chapter contents all flow becauseyou answered each question your readers had. This fast-forwardtechnique allows me to write at least two or three books eachyear, and makes each book more organized, more focused andclear, easier to read, and finally brings more sales becausepeople can understand the information quickly and easily.For a picture of a mindmap of "Your Book's Format" go towww.bookcoaching.com/mindmapHow Do I Create My Mindmap?Use a large sheet of paper, at least 8 ½ by 11 inches, but Irecommend a large square of butcher paper or poster board, soyou can spread out and enjoy the process! Have at least six orseven colored felt-tip pens in primary and bright colors ready.In the center, encircle your title. Arrange your chapter headings,each on a different colored vertical branch, around the center inany order (you can number them later) If you can't think of atitle, put a few key words. Use only one color per branch. Offeach main branch, put five or so other horizontal branches ofparticular chapter parts.Even though you later change your mind about the contents, thisinitial mindmap gives you the overall picture of what your book isand what it will share with its readers. I made several mindmapsof my Passion book before I settled on the best information toinclude.Practice: Create your book's mindmap on a separate piece ofpaperPractice: Create one chapter's mindmap on a separate piece ofpaper now.Wow! You are up to speed. You have your thesis--what challengeyour book will solve, your chapter working titles, your rough draftevolving with a Table of Contents, and you have questions toanswer in each chapter.Mindmapping is an excellent way to start, organize, and finish your book. About the Author
Judy Cullins: 20-year author, publisher, book coachHelps entreprenurs manifest their book and web dreamseBk: "Ten Non-techie Ways to Market Online"http://www.bookcoaching.com/products.shtmlSend an email to Subscribe@bookcoaching.comFREE The Book Coach Says... includes 2 free eReportsJudy@bookcoaching.comPh:619/466/0622 |
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