Some of you may be wondering what the hell mind mapping is. I learned the technique from this article here. I saw it on Pinterest as a useful way to declutter my mind and immediately thought how much I could use something like that. Both in real life and for writing stories. Basically, in the center of a blank sheet of paper, you write down the base of what you're wanting to think of. This could be overall story ideas, what a specific scene needs, or it could be things you'll need from the grocery store. Whatever's stuck in your mind that you need to get out.
From there, you just scribble down words and ideas, connecting them all with lines and arrows to other words and ideas that are related.
AND IT WORKS.
Well, it did for me. And I'm sure it will for you.
The first time I used it was when I was creating a character profile. I knew some of what I wanted, but I found myself focusing too hard on one aspect and then forgetting the other little fluttering ideas I had.
The most important thing is to not focus too hard. If you do that, then you'll be stuck on one idea and the mind mapping will be for nothing. Instead just run briefly through everything stuck in your head and scribble the most basic parts down. Reading back through them, you'll remember what they're about.
It IS your head after all.
So I hope this helps you all! Whether or not it's for writing, it can definitely come in handy when you're feeling overwhelmed.
Let me in the comments if it does :)
Love, CJ