Mind mapping involves the creation of a grid that represents the flow of ideas, thoughts and actions. This visual writing tool is the evolution of a very simple brainstorming technique called "bubbling." Those seeking to use mind mapping to visualize their writing project can do so by creating a hand-drawn mind map, by downloading free mind-mapping software such as Free Mind, or with free online tools such as Bubbl. The beauty of mind mapping is its simplicity and lack of structure; the map's style and direction are dependent upon the flow of the author's ideas and the project's structure.
Building a storyboard is one of the most visually available writing tools. This tool requires the writer to draw each scene in simple panels, much like a comic book. While storyboards are most often used by filmmakers to create a visual storyline, writers can easily utilize this tool for story projects as well. The frames of a storyboard should flow easily from one panel to the next and one idea to the next.
This tool involves writing on index cards and laying them out in sequential order. This method is ideal for those still trying to organize their writing project. Once the cards are organized, tack them to a cork board, tape them to the wall or stack them in order. This will make using the cards simpler. Each card should describe one scene and include pertinent information, such as characters, setting and notes. Including a number on the card will help to keep them in order once a sequence is determined.
The snowflake method is a popular visual writing tool involving the solidification of ideas by starting simple and getting more complex. This method was pioneered by physicist Randy Ingermanson, who teaches the method to writers for free. Very simply, this method asks writers to visualize their work from the simple to the complex. Writers start by writing a short, one-sentence summary of their project. The sentence expands to a paragraph, builds characters, structurally stages the work and so forth until the writer has a complete outline. This method builds upon itself over the course of the process and allows writers to visualize every layer of their story.