I’m a writer blog

Guidelines for writing Poems, Stories and Tales

Will including maps at the end of my novel keep readers engaged?

Asked by: Joe Eidenschink

It will keep the reader engaged, as they will be able to tell where things are, making them not only follow the story easier, but also feel more like they’re in the story.

What should be included at the end of a book?

Give them what they want. The goal of a great ending is to tie everything together, neatly summarize your book, and then provide a specific call or calls to action for your reader. Don’t overcomplicate the conclusion—just let it do its job, and it’ll work great.

Why do authors put maps in books?

“A map comes before the text in most books, and a good map can help set up, in the mind of the reader, what they might expect before they read a word. You can visually help set the stage in a very subtle way with how you make your map. That’s a visual form of world building.”

How can I make my novel more engaging?

17 Ways To Make Your Novel More Memorable

  1. Your protagonist drives the story. …
  2. Structure your book as a roller-coaster ride. …
  3. Tell the story in a linear way. …
  4. Write from your heart. …
  5. Start your novel at the end of the backstory you’ve created. …
  6. Include only the most important parts of the story. …
  7. Always remember the end.

Why do authors put maps in non-fiction books?

For other readers, a map is a nice addition – especially if you use it to improve the narrative experience or, in the case of non-fiction, help the reader understand the logistics of your key events.

How do you plan an end of a novel?

If you’re really struggling to come up with a satisfying finale, let your protagonist’s arc lead the way. After all, the story is about them; if you know where they will end up, that should give you a rough indication of where your story ends.

How do you end a story well?

Seven Tips to Craft the Perfect Ending

  1. Find your ending in the beginning. …
  2. Completion goes hand-in-hand with hope. …
  3. Keep things fresh. …
  4. Make sure it’s really finished. …
  5. Last impressions matter. …
  6. Come full circle. …
  7. Leave some things unsaid.
  8. 1 million authors trust the professionals on Reedsy, come meet them.

Can I use a map in my book?

Note – you will need a premium subscription to be able to add Google Maps to your books. To use Google Maps in Book Creator, click on the + button, then More and choose Google Maps. Use the search bar to find the place you’re looking for, or use navigate on the map itself and zoom in and out.

How do I make a map for my novel?


And a website called canva which is free it's all free but you can take this strategy. And adapt it to fit your needs.

What is a book map?

A bookmap is a specialization of a DITA map and is meant to be used when you intend to publish your documents in a book format. It contains structure and metadata, but no content. It is especially designed to create output in book-style formation and therefore includes the following major structures: title.

Do I need a map for my novel?

Basically, any genre of book can include a map – as long as it’s necessary. Maps may not be needed for genres like romance or contemporary fiction, for example, where locations aren’t as vital to the story, and a map wouldn’t really add anything to the theme.

How do you write a book map?

The BookMap: Your Key to a Solid Book Outline



  1. Step 1: Print out the BookMap and have a few clean sheets of paper ready.
  2. Step 2: Use the BookMap template to draw your own map with everything you know about that topic.
  3. Step 3: Organize those sections to form your book outline.


What is story mapping technique?

Story Mapping or User Story Mapping is a technique used in product discovery: outlining a new product or a new feature for an existing product. The result is a Story Map: all the user stories arranged in functional groups.

What is a mind map in writing?

A mind map involves writing down a central theme and thinking of new and related ideas which radiate out from the centre. By focusing on key ideas written down in your own words and looking for connections between them, you can map knowledge in a way that will help you to better understand and retain information.

How do you brainstorm a book?

7 Tips for Brainstorming Book Ideas

  1. Write what you know. Start with something you’re fairly knowledgeable about or with an area of interest. …
  2. Use writing prompts. …
  3. Try freewriting. …
  4. Create a mind map. …
  5. Borrow from other artists. …
  6. Try people watching. …
  7. Follow a thread.




How do I start my first novel?

How to start writing a novel

  1. Set aside proper, regular time to write. …
  2. Don’t expect your words to come out perfectly straight away. …
  3. Loosen up your writing and relax. …
  4. Explore your ideas. …
  5. Ask yourself ‘what if’ questions. …
  6. Get to know your characters. …
  7. Alternate between plotting and writing. …
  8. Work out your structure.

How do you develop a story idea?

Generating ideas for stories: 7 fun ways

  1. Pick words blind and connect. This is a simple way to find unexpected ideas. …
  2. Use structured prompts. It’s tricky to find ideas out of a single writing prompt. …
  3. Word-smash headlines. …
  4. Start an argument. …
  5. Use visual cues. …
  6. Try using mind maps. …
  7. Look to quotes.


How do writers brainstorm?

In brainstorming’s simplest version, jot down ideas as they come to you. Use words or short phrases. Then you can review your list and choose one idea to develop. You can expand upon that idea by using yet another brainstorming technique such as free writing, mind mapping, or star bursting.

What are the 4 brainstorming tips?

4 Important Tips For Making This Brainstorming Process Work



  • Don’t think, just act. Go with your gut when judging ideas. …
  • Focus on quantity first, then edit for quality. Letting yourself free write ideas loosens up your creative muscles. …
  • Monitor your success. …
  • Don’t take it personally if your ideas get shot down.


What are the 4 methods of brainstorming?

The 4 Types of Brainstorming

  • Reverse Brainstorming. A creative problem-solving technique in which the problem is turned around and considered from a different point of view to spur new and different solutions.
  • Stop-and-Go Brainstorming. …
  • Phillips 66 Brainstorming. …
  • Brainwriting.


What are the 5 brainstorming techniques?

Here are the five brainstorming techniques help you deliver excellence.



  • Associative Brainstorming.
  • Brainwriting.
  • Freestorming.
  • Virtual Brainstorming.
  • Rolestorming.


What is mapping brainstorming?

What is Concept Mapping? Concept mapping is a brainstorming technique that lets you visualize concepts and ideas. Also known as “mind mapping”, this technique starts with a research question or main idea, then adds branches with synonyms, related topic, keywords, and examples.

What is brain netting?

Brain netting is an online brainstorming technique that is part of a wider initiative for remote team communication. It aims to bring dispersed teams together for a brainstorming session using a variety of conferencing and recording tools.

What is the starbursting technique?

Starbursting is a form of brainstorming that focuses on generating questions rather than answers. It can be used iteratively, with further layers of questioning about the answers to the initial set of questions. For example, a colleague suggests a new design of ice skating boot.

What is figuring storming?

Figuring Storming is “putting yourself in someone else’s shoes” to practice. If there’s someone in particular that you idolize, maybe a celebrity or someone in your field, try thinking about how they would handle the process or what they might come up with. It could help guide you to start your creative process path.



What is round robin brainstorming?

Round Robin brainstorming is a collective approach to brainstorming. It’s a two-step process, first using the How Might We concept of divergent problem solving, before converging to refine the idea. It employs an iterative circular process to build on previous contributions from each participant.