Online brainstorming tools for story planners

Mind mapping is another popular visual outlining method, but sometimes the software can be confusing or too complicated to use.Mindmeister makes it easy to brainstorm in a clean interface that takes no time to learn.Start a mindmap with one idea then quickly add to it by dragging and droppingInsert links or images directly into your map with a few clicksConnect your Evernote account to seamlessly use your Evernote Notes in a mindmapMindmeister is another tool that offers mobile apps for iPhone, iPad and Android. It is a great way to visualize your entire plot in one place, allowing you to spot problems and fix them before you start writing.Using sticky notes or index cards is a popular way for some writers to outline. Stixy is a free tool that allows you to drag, position and drop notes on a virtual board.Use it to keep track of all your current storiesPlan your chapters using a grid formatCombine sticky notes, documents, photos and to-do lists in one board for a fully-formed plan to completing your novelStixy also offers collaboration and sharing so you can work together with others or even get feedback on your work. Ditch the piles of notebooks and scraps of paper and start collecting all your writing notes in one place!Save links to interesting article that may one day inspire a new storyKeep all your research in one place so you know where to find it latertag all your entries so you won't lose any important informationUse the Checklist feature when you are outlining to keep track of which tasks you still need to complete or deadlines you need to meetEvernote is a fantastic tool that can also be accessed on your computer, online or on any mobile device. View the list »
Pinterest is a popular place for everything form home improvements, beauty tips and cool finds, but writers can also utilize the site in a number of ways.Gather cool photos of buildings, cities, and locations where your story or novel is setPin photos of actors who you think would best suit your characters if a version of your book were to make it to the big screenTap into your inner fashion lover by pinning the type of clothing you think your characters would wearUsing a visual tool like Pinterest allows you to get a better picture of your book and will make it easier to imagine your story when you sit down to write it 

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Planning your next story can be a little easier with the number of online tools at your fingertips.

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Whether you start writing your next story or novel with a bare-bones outline, our you want to do a little preparation before hand, these websites offer a variety of methods for outlining and brainstorming.

  • Pinterest: the popular virtual corkboard is a great place to gather story information and interact with readers
  • Evernote: Keep all your research, interesting articles and inspiration all in one place with this
  • Stixy: this virtual sticky note tool is a great way to brainstorm or keep your story ideas straight
  • Mindmeister: for visual outliners, this tool lets you plan your writing using mindmaps
View the list
  • Pinterest is a popular place for everything form home improvements, beauty tips and cool finds, but writers can also utilize the site in a number of ways.Gather cool photos of buildings, cities, and locations where your story or novel is setPin photos of actors who you think would best suit your characters if a version of your book were to make it to the big screenTap into your inner fashion lover by pinning the type of clothing you think your characters would wearUsing a visual tool like Pinterest allows you to get a better picture of your book and will make it easier to imagine your story when you sit down to write it 
  • Ditch the piles of notebooks and scraps of paper and start collecting all your writing notes in one place!Save links to interesting article that may one day inspire a new storyKeep all your research in one place so you know where to find it latertag all your entries so you won't lose any important informationUse the Checklist feature when you are outlining to keep track of which tasks you still need to complete or deadlines you need to meetEvernote is a fantastic tool that can also be accessed on your computer, online or on any mobile device. 
  • Using sticky notes or index cards is a popular way for some writers to outline. Stixy is a free tool that allows you to drag, position and drop notes on a virtual board.Use it to keep track of all your current storiesPlan your chapters using a grid formatCombine sticky notes, documents, photos and to-do lists in one board for a fully-formed plan to completing your novelStixy also offers collaboration and sharing so you can work together with others or even get feedback on your work. 
  • Mind mapping is another popular visual outlining method, but sometimes the software can be confusing or too complicated to use.Mindmeister makes it easy to brainstorm in a clean interface that takes no time to learn.Start a mindmap with one idea then quickly add to it by dragging and droppingInsert links or images directly into your map with a few clicksConnect your Evernote account to seamlessly use your Evernote Notes in a mindmapMindmeister is another tool that offers mobile apps for iPhone, iPad and Android. It is a great way to visualize your entire plot in one place, allowing you to spot problems and fix them before you start writing.
View the list
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, Toronto Writing Examiner

Mary Rajotte is a self-professed bibliophile and wordsmith, smitten with all things writing-related. A freelance writer who has spent more than 8 years crafting copy for small businesses, Mary also pens dark tales exploring myth, dream and nightmare. To contact Mary with questions, comments or...

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