Brainstorming for Nonfiction Writers

By Annette Whipple

Part of any writer’s process includes prewriting. That may include just a nugget of an idea or the detailed planning of the project’s plot or structure. For nonfiction writers, especially, it may include intentional time spent with a topic. During one of the very first writing courses I took, the instructor reminded me of the bubble method (also known as mind-mapping). I was familiar with this from my days as a teacher, but I didn’t understand its value until Eva Shaw showed me how to make it effective as a writer.

Brainstorm with the Bubble Method

The bubble brainstorming method uses paper and pen to generate ideas about one topic. The bubble method can be used in the prewriting process for magazine articles, 300-page books, blog posts, picture books, and anything in-between including a chapter within a full-length book.

If you have a basic working knowledge of a topic, you might begin brainstorming right away. Other times you might complete some preliminary research about your topic. Many people might want to brainstorm after a substantial amount of research.

How to Use the Bubble Method

1. Think big. Tape two pieces of blank paper together. Then flip the paper over so the tape is on the back side. Or use a large piece of newsprint.

2. Write your topic in the center of the paper and circle it. You might use a favorite pen or a thin-line marker. (I prefer marker.)

3. Draw ten lines radiating out from your topic.

4. Now think about all the things that might be related to your topic. Include words, phrases, and even facts that you don’t know but are curious about. Include things that you’re not even sure if they’re true, but you have heard. (You’ll research appropriately later.) Write them at the end of the lines. Circle these different ideas.

5. When one idea relates to another idea, add new lines to connect these ideas.

6. Don’t worry about repeating ideas. Early on, your brainstorming works quickly. Use that momentum and don’t worry about repeating information.

7. Fill in all ten lines. Add more, as needed.

8. (Optional) Set aside your brainstorming for a couple of days. Return to your brainstorming and see if you can include additional ideas. (Consider using another color to do so.)

Use Your Brainstorming Bubble

Now, it’s time to examine your brainstorming bubble and use it! 

For the spider topic I brainstormed above, I used the bubble method to consider topics to address in my book SCURRY! THE TRUTH ABOUT SPIDERS (Reycraft Books, 2021). It’s also how I set up my research notebook as seen on my table of contents page. (Research notebooks can be as limited as a one-subject spiral or multiple 3-ring binders…or completely digital. Learn how I set up a research notebook here.) 

THE TRUTH ABOUT series are question-and-answer books, so I’ve brainstormed a lot of animals in this way. Here is the brainstorming and table of contents for my research notebook for Ribbit! The Truth About Frogs (Reycraft Books, 2022).

For a recent (uncontracted) project idea, I used the bubble method to brainstorm after some research. Then I used that to create possible chapters for a book. I typed out the possible chapters in chart form and hung up the papers on my office wall. I transferred the detail ideas to sticky notes so I could move ideas around.

Maybe you look at your brainstorming bubble and notice one part has a lot more ideas than other areas, this big-idea-area might become your focus of the article or book. Or maybe it will become a picture book—even if that wasn’t in your original plan.

If you find you cannot fill in the brainstorming bubble’s ten lines, you may not have enough knowledge to write about this topic. So, return to the research. Or maybe your focus/topic was already too tight, and you need to broaden it. It’s also possible you may need to set this idea aside and return to it at another time.

Give It a Try

Think of a topic you have considered writing about—perhaps an article or book idea. Use the steps above to brainstorm this topic.

If you need writing inspiration, ask yourself some questions to lead you to a fresh writing idea. Check out my writing inspiration printable. It’s definitely appropriate for student and professional writers.

 

Meet the Author:

Annette Whipple celebrates curiosity and inspires a sense of wonder while exciting readers about science and history. She’s the author of many fact-filled children’s books including THE LAURA INGALLS WILDER COMPANION: A CHAPTER-BY-CHAPTER GUIDE  (Chicago Review Press), RIBBIT! THE TRUTH ABOUT FROGS (Reycraft Books) in The Truth About series, and QUIRKY CRITTER DEVOTIONS: 52 WILD WONDERS FOR KIDS (Tyndale). When Annette’s not reading or writing, you might find her baking for her family in Pennsylvania. Get to know her and explore her resources for teachers and writers at www.AnnetteWhipple.com.