Observations on plotting

Things I have re-remembered from previous novels:

1. A timeline is essential, to avoid contradictions and 4 month pregnancies and to make sure ages remain compatible with the passing of the years
2.  A mind map, for working out the whys and consequences and reasons for is, I well remember, a very good and productive thing to do BUT I have to make the effort to either clear a space on my worktop, since it lacks room to do comfortably or take paper and pencil downstairs - why oh why is this so difficult to actually do??
3. Letting characters lead the way CAN be done.   A couple of days ago one said, of another "she had no idea how Stuart had met his end, yet was aware she ought to"   I too had no idea, but by allowing what I DID know of the characters concerned I have come up with an explanation.