| Book writing using mindmapping makes chapters | | | | folders where you keep your research. |
| easy to read, compelling, and consistent for | | | | Fourth, in mindmaps you see the whole related to |
| readers. | | | | the parts. Your thesis, chapter titles, and chapter |
| If you want to learn how to write a book outline, | | | | contents all flow because you answered each |
| mindmapping is better than linear outlining because | | | | question your readers had. This fast-forward |
| authors can use flexible thinking and relativity in | | | | technique allows me to write at least two or |
| writing their book. One can add and subtract a | | | | three books each year, and makes each book |
| thought or phrase from a mindmap easily. This is | | | | more organized, more focused and clear, easier |
| an excellent way to start, organize, and finish | | | | to read, and finally brings more sales because |
| your book. | | | | people can understand the information quickly and |
| What is Mindmapping? | | | | easily. |
| Mindmapping is a color-coded outline of main ideas, | | | | How Do I Create My Mindmap? |
| sub topics and details, printed on different colored | | | | Use a large sheet of paper, at least 8 ½ |
| branches connected to the center. In the center | | | | by 11 inches, but I recommend a large square of |
| in a circle, you will list your main idea, such as your | | | | butcher paper or poster board, so you can |
| book or chapter title. | | | | spread out and enjoy the process! Have at least |
| For "The One-Minute Sales Person", Spencer's | | | | six or seven colored felt-tip pens in primary and |
| mindmap would have had seven different colored | | | | bright colors ready. |
| vertical branches coming from that center, so | | | | In the center, encircle your title. Arrange your |
| details can be put on connected horizontal | | | | chapter headings, each on a different colored |
| branches--much easier to read. | | | | vertical branch, around the center in any order |
| What are the advantages of Mindmapping? | | | | (you can number them later). If you can't think of |
| First, this is open-ended and open-minded. No | | | | a title, put a few key words. Use only one color |
| more squeezing new "ahas" or ideas into the | | | | per branch. Off each main branch, put five or so |
| strict, tight form of the linear outline. You can | | | | other horizontal branches of particular chapter |
| make mistakes in your mindmaps. Imperfection | | | | parts. |
| leads to creativity. When you get an idea for | | | | Even though you later change your mind about |
| chapter one, you can just add another branch off | | | | the contents, this initial mindmap gives you the |
| the main one. Mindmapping expands flexible | | | | overall picture of what your book is and what it |
| thinking, making for better writing. | | | | will share with its readers. I made several |
| Second, mindmaps use only three to five | | | | mindmaps of my Passion book before I settled |
| concrete or color words on a branch. These key | | | | on the best information to include. |
| words help jog our memory. Under Chapter One | | | | Practice: Create your book's mindmap on a |
| "Attracting Passion," I added several horizontal | | | | separate piece of paper |
| lines that represented the format that follows. | | | | Practice: Create one chapter's mindmap on a |
| One line had "opening quote," the next one | | | | separate piece of paper now. |
| "introduction," the next one "Jerry's Story," the | | | | Wow! You are up to speed. You have your |
| next "Food for Thought and Action," the next, | | | | thesis--what challenge your book will solve, your |
| "Passion Hot Line," the last line, "practice." | | | | chapter working titles, your rough draft evolving |
| Third, mindmaps speed up your writing because | | | | with a Table of Contents, and you have questions |
| you only write key phrases. When you sit down | | | | to answer in each chapter. |
| at the computer, from your color-coded map, the | | | | Mindmapping is an excellent way to start, |
| answers will flow naturally. If you need to fatten | | | | organize, and finish your book. |
| up your chapter, just go to your chapter file | | | | |