In the writing field, there is a silent war going on – the fight between the plotters and the pantsers. Plotters are those who plan their stories before they write them by outlining, doing character sheets, and researching historical and scientific facts. Pantsers are those who start writing on a blank screen, letting the characters tell them how the story will unfold as they go. Neither process is better than the other. My motto is, whatever style works for you and keeps you writing is the best one for you.
I am a pantser who has always envied the organization of the plotters. In the past, I used to try to do an outline, summary, and/or character sheets ahead of time. Either I end up ignoring the detailed plotting that I did and let the story go where it wanted to go. Or I would freeze up, unable to continue with the story idea that I had prepared so skillfully.
I have decided to embrace my pantser writing style when it comes to the first draft of my novels. However, once the first draft is done (or mostly done), I create an outline, summary, and character descriptions. It’s not very detailed to allow me to move and change things around, as well as to allow the characters to dictate the story if they still want to.
I have gone back to handwriting things, like I used to in the pre-computer age. I handwrite the blog post once I figure out what I want to talk about. I don’t edit the first draft of the blog. When I go back to type it here in my blog. I edit and organize the blog to make it less chaotic-sounding. I also handwrite my drafts of novels and poetry. Then, when I transfer the handwritten notes to my laptop, I edit and organize as needed. It may seem to some people like a lot of work, but it works for me. Anything that gets me writing can’t be a bad thing.
I’m still envious of people who plot. My overwriting in my first few drafts has become legendary. I realize that everyone’s first few drafts, even the plotters’, are not perfect, and even the best writers need an editor’s help. My pantser status is a badge of honor, and I am no longer embarrassed at my writing style.
Until next time!
R.R. Peace, Author and Poet 