I can’t tell you how many workshops, classes, and writing group discussions I have participated in where the question Are you a Plotter or a Pantser has come up.
Well what exactly are these two approaches to writing?
A PLOTTER approaches their writing by taking a considerable amount of time to plan their story and create a detailed outline. They choose their characters and might write a sketch outline for each of them, so they know how they’ll act and react throughout the story. Plotters develop their setting, allowing them to easily create vivid visuals for their readers. Plotters figure out their main plot points. Plotters know where their story is going.
A PANTSER, on the other hand, doesn’t create any kind of outline. They enjoy starting with an idea for a story and then writing as their ideas flow out onto the page, letting their characters lead them. Stephen King is known as a pantser who believes that once you’ve got that great idea, you just start writing and see where it goes.
But recently, a third term for the writing process has become a popular label, and that is a PLANTSER. I believe I fall into this category.
When I get a new idea, I like to grab a notebook and sketch out a few details like:
- Where does this story take place
- Who is this story about
- Who is my protagonist/my antagonist
- What do I want to tell readers with this story
- Why is this story one I want to tell
But once I get writing, I love the nudges from my characters that send me in directions that may deviate from my initial outline. I love experiencing the story as if I’m telling it for the first time. I love not knowing exactly where it’s going all the time.
Then, when I have completed my first rough draft, I believe I switch into what I like to call a PLANNER.
Now that I have the story down, I can start to revise, planning what I want to change, areas where I want to elaborate, or areas that slow things down and need to be cut. I look at my plot and plan where I need to strengthen it. I interview my characters and decide if I want to include any backstory and if so, where. I look at this draft as the start to my future completed book.
So which are you? Plotter, Pantser, or something else?
Here’s a cool quiz to help you find out: https://www.tckpublishing.com/writing-quiz-plotter-or-pantser/