I always like to start with a mindmap (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mind_map http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mind_map) of the key points. Once I have those, I fles

I always like to start with a mindmap (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mind_map http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mind_map) of the key points. Once I have those, I flesh out the individual nodes underneath. I then organize into Chapters/sections and start writing. I've read where some people create a PowerPoint presentation and work backwards from that as well. The key thing for me is that I don't want to get tied down to Chapter 1, Chapter 2, etc too early - I want the flexibility to move things around without hindering my thinking process. That's the sort of thing that is perfect for mind mapping tools like FreeMind (http://freemind.sourceforge.net/wiki/index.php/Main_Page http://freemind.sourceforge.net/wiki/index.php/Main_Page).