I might have mentioned this before, but in my day job and for writing, I use an open source package called freemind (http://freemind.sourceforge.net/wiki/index.php/Main_Page) which implements a technique called mind mapping. If you have the need to brainstorm, create a map like the one above, or just organize your thoughts, it's insanely useful. Then, if you need to, just take the pdf it creates, go down to Kinkos and get them to print a large poster sized copy.

Thanks for mentioning that again, Pliny. I do remember you mentioning this some months ago, but it's a cool program. For writers who operate with strong visual instincts, it could be really helpful.

[...] Nolan’s hand drawn map of Inception.  Plus, an [...]