Ideas for Using Scapple

Don’t let Scapple’s blank page intimidate you. It’s your canvas for anything.

So, ideas…I could list the usual projects: Timelines, family trees, brainstorming, story mapping, etc. But what more can we do?

Timelines: Scapple is a simpler version of the Aeon Timeline app. If you don’t need all the detail from Aeon, then Scapple is a great way to create a simple timeline for the book, series, epic, poem, whatever. It’s easy to make, adjust, and add to without all the restrictions of structure that Aeon has.

Beyond Timelines: Instead of a timeline, create a character arc. Show the ebb and flow of your characters’ growth over the length of the story/series. Use multiple characters on one page to check and see if they are growing together or apart. I find it a useful way to correct my “everything is happening at once” problem. I can see where I need to space things out, give each character their spotlight, and find the stupid plot holes, I mean, self-correct plot holes.

Family Trees: Got a series? Map those names and dates to make sure you’ve got everyone covered. Included all details. So when you throw in long-lost cousin Zed, you know who he is and where he fits in the family.

Beyond Family Trees: Create a family tree with super detail to chronicle more than names. Add dates of important events, settings, locations, secret babies, treasure maps—wait, I’m getting ahead of myself. Add to tidbits to make not only the tree but a story bible. You can include things like family traits—physical (blue eyes),  personality-wise (stubborn like your Aunt Josephine.), genetic anomalies, inheritance, and more.

Brainstorming: With the non-structured nature of Scapple, you can throw boxes all over the place to brainstorm a new project. The boxes are easy to move around to solidify plot ideas and character development.

Beyond Brainstorming: You can map out an entire series with Scapple. The program doesn’t limit your space to the screen size. You can plan an entire series and have the flexibility of adding, removing, and rearranging elements. Instead of deleting ideas that don’t work, toss them in the corner to use later. Color, font, and shape elements can differentiate ideas, thoughts, and random facts.

Story Maps: Similar to brainstorming, mapping is easy in Scapple. Create a template using story beats, or plot devices. (As a romance author, I’m thinking Goal, Motivation, Conflict by Debra Dixon and Romancing the Beat by Gwen Hayes.) Use the template each time you map out a new plot to keep the story on track.

Beyond Story Mapping: Make a setting map. Make elaborate connections to your locations by creating a house plan, a travel plan, or a treasure map. If you’re writing fantasy, here’s an excellent way to visualize your tale with delicious details. I’m one of those readers who loves a map in a book. In fact, I find them useful in all sorts of books from romance to horror.

Map Your Career: Go beyond just writing. Map out your marketing plan, brainstorm a social media platform, plan pages for your website. 

The only limits for the use of Scapple is you, and well, your ability to scan the Internet for more ideas. LOL