Why mind maps are my new favorite tool
I’ll start by saying, these past few months have been busy. Actually, I no longer appreciate or like the word “busy” so I’ll say instead that the past few months have been productive.
July and August found me promoting the series, while writing and editing other works in progress. At one point on a particular Monday during the those summer months I decided to try something new. I’d previously read an article about mind mapping, which I quickly dismissed because I had too many other tasks to complete. Those who mind map may find that thought process humorous. I wish I could remember the blogger who shared the mind mapping insight that stuck with me, but if you haven’t used or seen a mind map, you’ll find a clear sample in this blog post.
So on that particular Monday morning, I found my head swimming in all the projects I wanted to focus on and I finally decided to give mind mapping a go. I began with a single 8 1/2 by 11 piece of paper, which I quickly discovered just wouldn’t do when all my bubbles became squished together. I found a roll of poster paper, cut off a large piece and tacked it to the wall of my office. Then I got to work…
I have to say, this form of organization is brilliant. I love getting thoughts on paper but when you have multiple sheets with multiple notes about multiple projects, it can be difficult to remain focused. Mind mapping helped me tremendously. I love having a large snapshot of all my projects and the main tasks and sub-tasks associated with each where I can view them all quickly, cross off what’s been done and easily add more as needed. It also helped me put together a reasonable timeline with regard to when I hope to complete upcoming projects. There are apparently programs you can use to help with mind mapping, but I prefer using the pen and paper method.
After completing my mind map, one particular area I knew I had to focus on was a website and email newsletters. I’d put it off long enough and my mind map made it very clear that this particular project needed my attention. Most of September was spent on building a website, which added a few more gray hairs to my head. Yes, many sites claim you can instantly build and customize a website, which is basically true, but there’s so much more to it than that. Eventually, my site looked and felt the way I wanted and even though I wasn’t sure I was ready, I had to make it live so that I could sign up for the company that would host my email newsletters and signups. Not since I had to hit “publish” to make my first novel available have I felt so nervous about pushing a button!
The website was born, even if grudgingly, and I’m currently working on my first newsletter, which will go out the beginning of November. I’ll be sending out monthly newsletters with writing updates, upcoming events, new releases, special bonuses, favorite links and useful tools I find helpful and whatever else about my writing life I think readers might find interesting. Usually, this time of year I post a quarterly update on my blog, but at this point I think most of those updates will appear in my newsletters instead. We’ll see how it goes. Either way, with my newsletter you won’t miss a post, news about events or releases and promotions and I’ll be sharing bonus material or freebies via the newsletter that won’t be shared on this blog. If you wish to receive those monthly newsletters, be sure to sign up for them via the website either on the home page or the contact page.
I’ll admit I was dead set on having my website and newsletter signups up and running because I had a big speaking event scheduled for mid-October. I was presenting at the largest event I’d ever attended as a speaker and I knew I just had to get my web presence in line and ready before the event. Talk about pressure! But I’m thankful for the event; not only did it kick me in the pants and help me check off a huge task item I’ve been putting off, it provided me with a huge opportunity to speak in front of a couple of hundred women about my passion to write.
Seriously, it was beyond amazing.
And it was a lot of fun too!
The organization holding the event had a theme…Once Upon a Time…and many of those who attended dressed in fairy tale costumes. It was a great event for me to discuss my love of books and writing.
I wasn’t able to take many photos, but there are a few more to share here.
I’m actually amazed with myself; for being such an introvert, I really do enjoy speaking in front of large groups. I would have to venture to say the reason for this fact is that I enjoy sharing when it comes to my passion to write. It feels good to express myself about my stories, my writing process and my legal background. Give me the floor to talk about either private investigating or writing books, and I can go on for hours!
Not only did the past few months involve building my website, starting a newsletter and presenting at my largest event ever, I checked off attending a writer’s conference for the year and was featured in an online publication with an author interview.
Okay, so enough about what I’ve done…I think this post is long enough. How about what’s next? Writing and editing, of course; but how about another author meet and greet? This one is public so I’m happy to share that I do have another event coming up very soon. November 9th, actually. Only a couple weeks away. The event has been added to my Facebook page and you can find more details here. For those who are local, I hope to see you there!
I hope you’re enjoying these fall months as much as I have been, whether they are full of productivity or a period of rest and relaxation.
Happy fall!
