Plotter vs. Pantser: Finding Your Writing Style

Hello, fellow wordsmiths and literary adventurers! I have a couple of questions for you...

Are you a meticulous planner or a spontaneous creator? Do you outline every detail of your story before putting pen to paper, or do you dive headfirst into the unknown, letting the story unfold as you write? These are the questions that often divide writers into two camps: plotters and pantsers.

So, in this blog post, I formally invite you to dive into the world of storytelling styles with me! You never know, you may learn something new. You might even decide that in fact, you are not in the camp you thought you were.

The Plotter!

Welcome to the realm of the plotter. It is here you may find meticulously outlined story arcs, plot diagrams, detailed character profiles and in some cases, scene by scene breakdowns. And this, in most cases, is done before even starting the writing process! So let's get to the nitty gritty of the pros and cons of being a plotter! (Remember this is just my opinion.)

Pros:

1. Structure: Plotting provides a clear road map for your story, helping you to avoid plot holes, maintain coherence and steer clear of mistakes made in your twists and turns.

2. Efficiency: With a well-defined outline, you're less likely to fall prey to that nasty thing we call writer's block, and more likely to work efficiently.

3. Fewer Revisions: Being such a savvy strategist means that you are more likely to have a relatively solid final product (more polished, therefore requiring less extensive revisions).
   

Cons:

1. Rigidity: It can be easy to become somewhat constrained by your outline, dampening your ability to think outside the box, stifling creativity, and losing an organic flow or feel to your story.

2. Risk of Over-Planning: You may find that you can lose sight of the bigger picture and start getting weighed down in the most minute details, which can lead to delaying your writing process or even result in procrastination.

3. Less Room for Discovery: When you are meticulous with an outline, especially one you have spent so much time on, you tend to become persistent in following its path. Taking this approach may remove part of the creative process that is birthed by spontaneity. The part where a character may take a different course, a surprise within your plot might crop up, you get my drift... Now ask yourself, are you a plotter?
   

Reading Recommendations for Plotters:

• "Outlining Your Novel: Map Your Way to Success" by K.M. Weiland

• "Save the Cat! Writes a Novel: The Last Book On Novel Writing You'll Ever Need" by Jessica Brody
  

The Pantser!

Now for the playground of the pantsers! Short for "flying by the seat of their pants," these writers prefer to dive into the writing process with little to no pre-planning. They rely on intuition, spontaneity, and a keen sense of adventure which allows their words to tell an organic story with evolving characters as they progress. Let's see what pros and cons become of these writer daredevils.

Pros:

1. Freedom: Does it excite you to revel in the thrill of discovery? Do you want the freedom to explore different paths? You may tend to allow your unhindered creativity to masterfully let your stories unfold.

2. Surprise Factor: Without the constraints of preconceived plans, you can discover the story alongside your characters. This often leads to uncovering unexpected depths within your narrative, plot twists, and deeper character development.

3. Less Pressure: By eliminating the pressure of an outline, and embracing the unknown, you can enjoy the freedom of your writing process and sometimes even surprise yourself.

Cons:

1. Direction Dilemma: Without a road map, pantsers may struggle with plot coherence and direction, which risks narrative dead ends, plot holes, and one-dimensional characters.

2. Increased Revision Time: By being such a playful visionary, you may find that the lack of planning and preparation upfront may result in more extensive revisions than those of the plotters when it comes to your final product.

3. Writer's Block: Even with the most creative vision you may encounter writer's block more frequently, especially if you are working to a deadline and find yourself stuck. Now ask yourself, are you a pantser?
   

Essential Reading for Pantsers:

• "Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life" by Anne Lamott

• "On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft" by Stephen King

Finding Your Balance:

While there are two definitive camps that you may consider yourself a part of when it comes to plotting and pantsing, and it could seem like an either-or scenario, there are many writers out there that find a hybrid approach. This writing process could involve creating a loose outline or character sketches while still leaving room for spontaneity and discovery.

Ultimately, whether you're a plotter, a pantser, or somewhere in the middle, the most important thing is to find a writing process that allows you to unleash your creativity and bring your stories to life. A style that suits you perfectly.

So, which camp do you belong to? Embrace your inner planner or let your imagination run wild—it's all part of the exhilarating journey of writing.

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