Brainstorming with a Mind Map

How do authors take a vague idea and shape it into a story with intriguing characters, plot, and themes?

I'm still trying to figure it out, though one thing I've done lately is to brainstorm by using a mind map. On a large sheet of paper (17 x 23 inches), I start with my characters near the center, list their motivations and character traits, and show their connections and tensions with each other. I add plot points, antagonists, and other themes as each idea inspires another element of the story. I jot down ideas on the side, or even notes from craft books that I consult. This is my current brainstorm (blurred to avoid spoilers) of my new project:

What are your best tips for organizing your thoughts at the beginning of a writing project? Share them with me for a chance to win a query critique (see giveaway rules below).

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Upcoming and Past Events

In the next couple of weeks, I look forward to connecting with other authors and students. Come by and see me if you're in the DC area or in Connecticut:

UPCOMING EVENTS

Feb. 28, In conversation with Katherine Marsh, Reston Virginia:  I'll be at Scrawl Books on Feb. 28, at 7 p.m., moderating the book release of award-winning middle grade author Katherine Marsh's new fantasy book, Medusa, a delightful adventure about a girl who attends an academy for descendants of Greek monsters and finds out the truth of her heritage. It's like Percy Jackson with a feminist and subversive twist. ​

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March 2, NerdCamp, Hartford, CT: Join me and other authors, illustrators, librarians, and educators in a day-long unconference to discuss kid lit books. I'm really excited to see some of my middle grade and YA author friends, Alysa Wishingrad (Between Monsters and Marvels, The Verdigris Pawn), Erica George (The Edge of Summer, Words Composed of Sea and Sky), Melissa Dassori (J.R. Silver Writes the World),  Nancy Tandon(The Ghost of Spruce Point, The Way I Say It), Lisa Stringfellow (A Comb of Wishes), and Rajani LaRocca (Red, White and Whole, Midsummer's Mayhem, more), among others.
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PAST EVENTS

I love meeting and interacting with students. On Feb. 7, I participated in World Read Aloud Day, where I visited with seven schools around the country to read from my books and answer questions. On Feb. 13 and 15, I visited all classes in first, second, and third grades at Norfolk Academy, in Norfolk, VA, sharing my picture book, A Morning with Grandpa, and doing tai chi with the kids (the school did a nice write-up about it).

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A Favorite Reader Reaction

Over the holidays, I saw my 23-year-old niece, and she made my day when she said the following about Hana Hsu and the Ghost Crab Nation: "I love your book. I still think about it a lot. Sometimes, when I'm facing a dilemma or problem, I'll ask myself, What would Hana do in this situation?"

That was truly a moment when I realized how special it is to be an author.

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Query Critique Giveaway

I'm giving away a critique of your query + opening 5 pages (or picture book manuscript under 1000 words). To enter,

1. Subscribe to this newsletter (if you're already a subscriber, great. If not, click on the button below).

2. Reply to this email or to the welcome email (after subscribing) with your best brainstorming or idea-generating tip. 

Giveaway ends on Monday Feb. 26.
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