Tackling Writer's Block: Mind-mapping

Tackling Writer's Block Part 4: Mind-Mapping

By: Michelle Himmelsbach

Welcome back, Readers!

In consideration for the writer's block series, I have decided to follow Amelia Cusanno in progressing her ideas further! Feel free to visit and read Part 1: Intro, Ambition, and Growth, Part 2: Inspiration (or Lack Thereof), and Part 3: Burnout and Boredom.

As a student, I know how hard it can be to not only balance all your coursework from different classes but navigating the challenges that come with writing. With various essays, research papers, creative stories, and/or personal narratives, it's often hard to begin your own topic. Personally, this is my biggest challenge. I can become overwhelmed with all the directions my writing could go and find it difficult to focus on one single topic. This causes unneeded frustrations, something I'm sure many of you can relate to. We like to add more struggle, when really, the tools we have are already in our own minds. That in mind, I feel I generally go with the topic I have more evidence or arguments to back it up. Guess what, that's okay! You may be asking, what's mind-mapping, then? How can this new technique encourage me, and help me become a better writer? Allow me to break it down...

What is Mind-Mapping?

Mind-mapping is a technique designed to help students like you, organize your thoughts, develop connections between different ideas, and help you overcome the overwhelming feelings associated with writer's block. Unlike other visual diagrams, or structures to follow, mind maps are built around one single topic. The information you may want to include is then "attached" to that very topic. You can think of it as a seed, right. In order for a plant, or flower to grow, it primarily needs water and sunlight. When we think of your central topic as seed then, your supporting points or evidence helps to strengthen your topic, allowing it to grow in different directions as your subtopics!

How to Start a Mind Map?

I will walk you through the steps needed to complete a mind map, then we can take a look at an example.

1. Start with a central topic in the middle of a page!

   This can be digitally, or even pen/paper! It truly is a personal liking, I know for me I would go for pen and paper. Both forms work just the same!

2. Add branches for the themes and/or ideas that relate back to the central topic!

   These are your supporting points, so it should draw back seamlessly to the intended topic without confusion.

3. Flesh out sub-branches or sub-topics, breaking down each into more specific points! Subtopics help readers understand the main ideas being presented, while also allowing detailed exploration within the main topic/idea.

With the steps provided, now let's take a look at a simple example, to provide a basis for you!

Example for Mind-Mapping