In other words, I want my mind map in the cloud. I’m looking for a tool that’s easy to use, has a basic free plan that offers all the features I want, and I don’t want to have to download and install anything. There are a lot of mind mapping tools out there. But who showers these days, amirite?Īnyway, why do something in a simple, familiar, guaranteed-to-work way when I can use this opportunity to test out new tools? And yes, procrastinate. Or I could use pen and paper or move sticky notes around on a wall or floor or draw mind maps in the steam on the mirror after I shower. It was too similar to my last plot, and there was no way to connect it to my protagonist’s internal character arc in a way that wouldn’t feel clumsy and forced. Turns out, I have to throw out the plot that I’ve got and start over with a new one, because the other one just wasn’t working. In a lucky coincidence, I happen to be stuck in the early phase of my next novel. That’s where mind-mapping tools can help. That’s all well and good if you already have an idea for a plot, and now just need to fine-tune it, maybe move some pieces around, add some clues and red herrings, that kind of thing.īut it’s not particularly useful when you don’t have much of a plot to start with.

Read our Midjourney review here.Ī few days ago I wrote about how to use the free online app Miro to plot out a story. AI-generated illustration created with Midjourney. All proceeds go to helping us pay for original stories and to support writers of speculative fiction. Some articles may include Amazon affiliate links.

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