For that early stage of planning, brainstorming, what-have-you, I've found nothing works as well as paper and a few of my favourite fountain pens, well fueled with Noodlers ink.

For some things, pen and paper to me are still the best option - faster, and more versatile. As well, there is an aesthetic kick which I have yet to find at this stage with any software,

There comes a point when it "feels" right to make the transition to MindGenius or NovaMind, or to develop an outline.

From then, most of the actual writing for me is best done on the computer.

Daly


yooj wrote:

A new application, relevant to this forum, from the Scrivener developer,
"SCAPPLE is a tool for getting early ideas down as quickly as possible
and making connections between them." (Emphasis added.) It's in free
beta now.

http://www.literatureandlatte.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=42&t=20396&start=0&sid=d1fc3900f9cda28f595c347dd6810351#p137100

I'm evaluating it. First impressions are that it is a rarity, a clean,
lightweight application which enables fast and natural use of a narrow,
well-chosen set of features.
Expect this to replace for Inspiration for me.