Monday 28 June 2010

What is Rico clustering?

"Clustering is a technique similar to mind-mapping. It's a powerful brainstorming tool for writers - both creative and non-fiction - and can help you develop ideas into stories, articles or blog posts... Clustering can help writers to make their creative right and analytic left brain hemispheres work together. During the clustering process, the right hemisphere runs wild. When reviewing the cluster, the left hemisphere puts the ideas in order and turns them into a coherent text."

^explains what clustering is.

What Do You Need To Cluster?:

•a big sheet of paper (plain works best),
•pens in different colours and
•at least 10 minutes without interruptions - the longer the better.

How Do You Cluster?:

•Write a word in the middle of the sheet of paper and circle it.
•Write down the first thing that comes to mind next to it, circle it and connect the two circles with a line.
•Write down the next thing you associate either with the word in the middle or your first association. Draw a line to the circle it is connected to.
•Keep repeating this process. As you add more words and phrases, you might find that they connect to more than just one circle. Draw lines to all circles.
•Don't censor your associations. Write down anything that comes up.
•By adding words and phrases and linking them to other circles, you will create a web of connected ideas.
•Once you filled the page or when you feel you've put down enough associations, review your cluster.
Mark ideas that belong together in the same colour, cross out ideas that don't seem to be related to anything else and identify the order in which you want to present the ideas.
This is essentially an outline of your story or article.

This process is slightly longer than mind mapping.

http://www.xomba.com/clustering_brainstorm_and_develop_writing_ideas

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