Article 11: Exploring Writing Styles for the Next Illustrated Book
Writing a book—whether it’s a children’s story, memoir, or satire—starts with an idea. But how do you take that idea and organize it into something cohesive? This week, we’re diving into four powerful tools for structuring your ideas: Mind Maps, Concept Maps, Knowledge Graphs, and Story Arcs.
To keep things fun and relatable, I decided on using a random topic for the topic of the next Not for Kids (NFK) book.? We’ll use the invention of the light bulb as our example topic throughout.
1. Mind Maps—Brainstorming and Free Association
A Mind Map is a creative brainstorming tool that helps organize ideas visually. It starts with a central concept and branches outward into subtopics, forming a web of interconnected thoughts. This method is particularly useful for capturing a flood of ideas quickly and seeing how they relate to one another. For writers, a Mind Map is a fantastic way to explore plotlines, characters, themes, or any other elements of a story before committing to a formal structure. The flexibility of Mind Maps allows for free association, making them perfect for writers who thrive on creativity and spontaneity.
Example: The Light Bulb
- Key Figures: Thomas Edison, Joseph Swan, Humphry Davy.
- Challenges: Filament materials, cost, durability.
- Breakthroughs: Bamboo filament, vacuum-sealed bulbs.
- Impact: Modern lighting, industries transformed.
Why Use It?
2. Concept Maps—Clarifying Relationships
A Concept Map takes the free-flowing nature of a Mind Map and adds more structure to show clear relationships between ideas. Instead of simply brainstorming, Concept Maps focus on connecting ideas with labeled links that describe their relationship. For example, a Concept Map about the invention of the light bulb might connect “Electricity” to “Filament Testing” with a label like “enables” or “requires.” This writing style is ideal for nonfiction or technical topics where understanding cause and effect, sequences, or dependencies is critical. It’s a practical tool for organizing complex information into a logical and easily digestible format.
Example: The Light Bulb
- Electricity → Enabled experiments with filaments.
- Filament Trials → Led to cost-efficient bamboo filaments.
- Patent Battles → Resulted in mergers and collaborations.
Why Use It?
3. Knowledge Graphs—Mapping Information and Data
A Knowledge Graph is a sophisticated tool for mapping interconnected information, often incorporating data or historical facts. Unlike a Concept Map, which focuses on relationships, a Knowledge Graph often includes timelines, events, or data points to create a structured overview. Writers might use Knowledge Graphs to track historical developments, like key milestones in the invention of the light bulb, or to map the connections between characters and events in a complex narrative. This style is especially helpful for research-based books or projects that rely on detailed, fact-driven content. It ensures that all relevant pieces of information are accounted for and displayed in a way that highlights their interconnectivity.
Example: The Light Bulb
- 1802: Humphry Davy creates the first electric arc lamp.
- 1841: Frederick de Moleyns patents an incandescent lamp.
- 1879: Thomas Edison perfects a bamboo filament bulb.
- 1880: Joseph Swan patents a similar design in England.
- Edison → Collaboration → Swan → “Ediswan Company.”
- Filament Testing → Material Costs → Mass Production.
Why Use It?
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4. Story Arcs—Shaping Narrative Flow
A Story Arc is the backbone of narrative writing, outlining the emotional journey a character undergoes throughout a story. It maps out the rises and falls of tension, conflict, and resolution, giving the story its structure and pacing. There are several common types of Story Arcs, such as “Rags to Riches” (a rise to success) or “Man in a Hole” (a fall followed by recovery). Each arc shapes how readers experience the story’s progression and emotional impact. Story Arcs are fundamental in creating engaging and relatable narratives, whether for fiction, memoirs, or narrative nonfiction, ensuring the story resonates with its audience.? There are six common arcs, each serving different tones and themes and I’ll highlight them below.
Example: The Light Bulb (as a story arc)
1. The “Rags to Riches” Arc
A protagonist rises from struggle to success.
2. The “Riches to Rags” Arc
A fall from grace, highlighting loss and failure.
3. The “Man in a Hole” Arc
A character falls into trouble but climbs back out.
4. The “Icarus” Arc
A rise to success followed by a dramatic fall.
5. The “Cinderella” Arc
A slow rise to happiness, often with setbacks.
6. The “Oedipus” Arc
A character achieves success but suffers tragic consequences.
Why Use It?
Which Structure Is Right for Your Book?
The structure you choose depends on your audience and the type of book you’re creating:
For example, if you’re writing a children’s book about Edison’s journey, a “Rags to Riches” arc could inspire young readers to pursue their dreams. If you’re crafting a business book, a Knowledge Graph could lay out the evolution of ideas and patents that led to success.
Final Thoughts—Experiment and Find What Works for You
Writing is rarely a one-size-fits-all process. Whether you’re working on a cookbook, a children’s story, or a satirical Not For Kids book, tools like Mind Maps, Concept Maps, Knowledge Graphs, and Story Arcs can make the process easier—and more fun!? Next week I’ll dive into using one of these processes for the invention of the light bulb.
If you remember from the poll results from last week, I’ll be testing royalty-free artwork alongside these methods to create a streamlined process you can follow.
What about you? Which style do you use—or want to try—for your book? Drop a comment and let’s share ideas!
Levi Leyba is an award-winning author and illustrator known for his engaging storytelling and innovative approach to connecting with readers. Based in the greater Phoenix metropolitan area of Arizona, Levi has written eight (8) children’s books, two (2) how-to guides, and a satirical adult-themed children’s book—which he successfully wrote, illustrated, and published in just one month!
His work bridges cultural divides, inspires creativity, and brings laughter to readers of all ages. As a passionate advocate for childhood literacy, Levi has earned recognition for his community leadership and contributions to non-profit organizations.
Follow along as he continues to explore the possibilities of AI to illustrate and publish books across different genres. Visit his personal website by clicking here.