I realized today that Eva Shaw is one of the most influential writing professors in my life. I was stuck, you see, and absolutely could not figure out how to get my heroine from where she was to where she was supposed to wind up. So I pulled out a massive sheet of newsprint and started drawing circles all over it, in a brainstorming technique called “Bubbling,” also known as “Mind Mapping.” Mid-way through my Bubbling, I glanced up and saw three of Eva’s books sitting on my desk, and realized that I was doing precisely what she’d always instructed.
Get stuck? Bubble.
Stay stuck? Bubble.
Still stuck? Take a break, come back later with fresh eyes. And then Bubble.
Heh.
See, Eva? I was paying attention!
Want to learn more about Bubbling / Mind Mapping? Try these sites:
How to Make a Mind Map in 8 Steps
To name a few =)
Awwww! Bubbles! I like this idea.
I didnt realize this technique had a name!
I started something similar when i was trying to direct my career…i started with words and ideas..things i wanted to do and be.
and never throw them out…i looked at it again after working at my previous job and realized i had accomplished a great deal of those goals…
What a good reminder to do this again!
Excellent job.