How to Create a Literature Map

A literature map is a visual web. It connects your favorite author to other authors with similar writing styles and content. The map helps readers discover new authors and novels they might like.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Printer

1. Go to gnooks.com and enter the name of your favorite author, or any author about whom you want to find more information. Click on "Find this author."

2. Watch the visual web, or literature map, that appears. Names will float around as the map is organized, but will eventually stop moving. Your favorite author will be in the center surrounded by other authors. According to Marek Gibney, creator of gnooks.com, "The closer two authors are, the more likely someone will like both of them."

3. Click on your favorite author's name. This will take you to a discussion board about that author. If you become a member, you can participate in the discussion.

4. Click on the back arrow to take you to the previous screen, the literature map.

5. Click on another author on your original map. This will take you to a new map, in which the author you clicked on is now in the center.

6. Print your map and use it to discover novels and authors.

Tips & Warnings

• If you don't have access to a printer, use colored pencils or markers to draw the map on a piece of paper.

References

• Gnooks: Literature Map
• BiblioTech Web