Whether
you think about it using flow charts, whiteboards or maybe just thinking , Mind
Mapping has been around for a few time now. People have used it for taking
notes, brainstorming, and problem-solving. A Mind Map may be a tool wont to
visually organize information or ideas. As a writer, it are often used for
solving block or creating a workable outline. Today i'm getting to show you
ways to make a personality sketch.
Character
sketches are often very basic or incredibly detailed. It can include eye and
hair color or blood group and your heroes first kiss. Many writers go browsing
and appearance for pre-made character sketches that include many questions
which will not apply to your work. this is often where the thought of a mind
map comes in handy.
For
those that aren't conversant in the method , don't be concerned creating a mind
map isn't complicated. It are often done on a bit of paper, a whiteboard or
using software programs. It doesn't need to be expensive. There are several
FREE programs which will do a superb job, including xmind.net, mindmaple.com,
and freemind.sourceforge.net. a number of these programs have paid versions,
but as a writer, the free versions will do everything you would like .
To
create a mind map on any subject there are 4 basic steps.
Step
1 - Start by writing one concept within the middle of a blank page.
Step
2 - Add related ideas to the present concept and use lines to attach them.
Step
3 - Branch off each of those ideas to expand and make new thoughts.
Step
4 - Use different colors, symbols, and pictures to form each branch unique.
To
help visualize this process i will be able to use one among my very own
characters as an example. Every character you create are going to be different,
but if you employ these points as a root , it'll be much easier.
My
start line is usually very specific. i exploit my character's name and a
photograph of what i feel he or she is going to appear as if . Why do I add a
photo? Because because the saying goes, "a picture IS worth thousand
words." Personally, I put the name and photo inside a red circle at the
middle of the page, sort of a bullseye.
I
add new ideas to specialise in around my character. Each idea is placed in its
own circle and connected by a wavy line. Why a wavy line? Because straight
lines are boring and analytical, i'm trying to tap into the creative side of my
brain. i will be able to also use a special color for every circle and therefore
the line that connects it, for an equivalent reason.
I
specialise in six details with each character. These include Family, Friends,
Work, Skills, Physical and Secrets. At now , it'd be hard to return up with a
photograph for every category, but you'll use symbols sort of a interrogation
point for the section that says Secrets.
This
is where the fun begins. Under each main point listed, I include 5 additional
sub-ideas. for instance , under Family, i might list Mother, Father, Siblings,
Other and History. Each of those would even have their own circle, and that i
would color that circle an equivalent because the primary idea Family.
I
can already hear someone saying this would possibly not work on behalf of me ,
my character's parents are dead, or my character is an orphan. So? this is
often only to spark ideas. If the mother is dead, this may remind you of that
and be a memory for your character to ponder about. If she's not, you'll
describe what he liked or disliked about her the foremost .
The
same idea applies to Siblings, if he has them he can tell stories of when his
brother did this, or his sister did that. If he never had one, did he ever
wonder what it might be wish to have a brother or sister?
You
might wonder why I included the word Other. Whether your character's parents
live or not at some point somebody else had a serious impact on his life. that
would be a babysitter, a scout leader or an educator . All folks are created by
those we've interacted with.
History
would come with things like who was the black sheep of the family, are all the
ladies during this family short, have there always been anger issues? These are
the items the character himself might not even realize affect his (or her) way
of thinking.
I
could write a whole article on how your character's family affects the way they
act or think or believe. That's quite the purpose of a mind map, you'll go as
deep as you would like . By keeping it simple, (one word at a time) it allows your
mind to stay filling within the blanks. do not believe me? Just say the word
Mother aloud and see what images and thoughts pop into your head.
Most
of the categories I listed are obvious, but I do want to require a flash to
speak about Secrets. every one on the earth has them and if you think that
you'll create a personality without them, you're sadly mistaken. It might be as
simple as they never learned to swim, or as dramatic as they killed their own
sister. this is often also an honest place to incorporate habits. for instance
, if you wrote Taps, it could remind you when he gets nervous he always taps
his fingers. If you wrote the word Ring, you'd know she twists her ring when
upset. you do not need to write the entire reason why she twists her ring just
write the word to stay your imagination going.
Key
points to remember:
1st
point - Keep is straightforward . One word at a time. you're not writing the
story you're capturing ideas to incorporate within the story.
2nd
point - Use color. Bright, vibrant colors stimulate the mind. The more
stimulated the mind, the better it's to be creative.
3rd
point - Use curved lines to attach thoughts. Why? Because if you only use
straight lines, the brain gets bored quickly.
4th
point - Add images whenever possible. Why? Because if an image is worth
thousand words, then 10 pictures are worth ten thousand words. By employing a
word AND a picture you engage each side of the brain without limiting your
potential.
Once
you begin using mind mapping to write down , ideas will flow one after another.
It's actually very hard to possess block if ideas come so fast you cannot
continue . it's going to not solve all of your writing problems, but it'll make
things easier.
Award-winning
writer/photographer Tedric Garrison has 40 years' experience with these
creative skills. As a Graphic Arts Major, he features a unique perspective on
visual arts and believes that creativity are often taught. His photography
tells a story and his writing is extremely visual. Tedric shares his insight
and perspective at: http://writephotos.weebly.com
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