By CaraMarie Christy

CMapTools, a software used for concept mapping, defines itself as a tool used for “learning,” and shows pictures of kids using the program to research dinosaurs and space. In broad terms, however, concept maps are bubbles of text that can branch out to others in all directions, starting from a main concept. These information bubbles can be linked together through various types of lines to create a map. Concept maps are meant to resolve issues by demonstrating relationships.

To create a concept map for writing, a writer has to consider what they want to accomplish through the planning process of their story. Here are three exciting examples of the potential uses of concept maps:

Pyramid Building- A central idea can lead to the creation of a story. Many writers know this as the “what if” practice, in which questioning how the world works leads to story ideas. For example: “What if aliens came to Earth?” Let’s take two hypothetical ways that this kind of story could go with two corresponding concept bubbles branching off of the central question: Either the aliens are friendly or the aliens are attacking. If the aliens are attacking, then we ask: Are they trying to destroy the planet or are they trying to get rid of all the humans on the planet? Each choice can produce new branches leading to multiple story outcomes. In making this kind of concept map, a writer can start off with the first “What if?” question and break down their decision-making process into possible outcomes, then decide which route they would like their story to go.

Spider Web Layout- This works well for writers trying to define characters and settings. It has become common to list character traits before beginning to write a story; but breaking down the general topic of a character into concept bubbles like physical traits, personality traits, and interpersonal traits can lead to a more thorough questioning process of who a character is. Writers can take one of their characters and make them the central bubble of the concept map, with three bubbles branching off it for “personality,” “physical traits,” and “interpersonal traits.” With personal traits, two bubbles can branch off of that, labeled “positive” and “negative.” Connected to the “positive” bubble can be traits like “gentleness” or “strength.” And finally, connected to these bubbles can be moments when these traits are shown, who they are shown to, and how these traits can support the theme of the writer’s piece. The bigger the concept map, the more potential for a character to be fleshed out on the page.

Timeline- This structure is good for plotting where scenes will go in a story. The lines of a concept map, which are made between bubbles, can be labeled with how much time is passing between scenes, so a writer never has to lose track of when in a story they are. There is also space above and below a concept map timeline to chart when important items are going to be introduced in a story. For example, the One Ring in Lord of the Rings is introduced when Bilbo is stumbling through a cave before he meets Gollum. The One Ring then reappears every time Bilbo is required to be brave and serves to give Bilbo courage that he did not have when the book started. A writer can chart their own version of the Ring, or an important reoccurrence of some theme that changes their character throughout a story.