“Pantser” or “Plotter”?

Are you a “pantser” or a “plotter”? I heard this idea thrown around in a podcast and found it very intriguing. A “pantser” is a writer who does not plan anything before beginning. “Pantsers,” like the saying goes, “fly by the seat of their pants.” They hear the character’s voice and just write as it comes to them. On the flip side, “plotters” lay some groundwork before beginning their writing. They will outline, decide on details (number of chapters/pages, story arc, secondary characters, sub plot). One process is not more respected than the other, it is purely a matter of creative license. Some even qualify themselves as “plantsers,” a blend of both styles. This question is often asked of successful authors as everyone wants to know how they get their stories out of their minds and onto paper. From what I have gathered, it really seems to be about a 50/50 split on which approach an author takes. 

Am I a “pantser” or a “plotter”? I am a “pantser!” HA! If you know me even a smidgen, you should find this shocking. I am a planner and an organizer. I taught best writing practices to my students that involved brainstorming, drafting, meeting with peers, etc. I write in the complete opposite fashion of how I approach life. I find this similar to when you hear a very successful person is really messy…it’s contradictory in my mind. Anywho, I don’t plan my stories, I just sit down and write. I have an idea to start, but the story begins to manifest as I go. I go about life and usually something in a regular day will give me an idea of how to shift the story. Sometimes I will let the story simmer for weeks or months and then the perfect addition will pop into my head while driving to pick up groceries. The “pantser” life is not for everyone, but it is for me…when it comes to writing!

Are you a “pantser” or a “plotter”? We can all admit that life has been different since early March and the start of all things COVID. People who were “plotters” in life got knocked off their rockers and I am fairly certain that people who were “pantsers” in life even wished for more semblance of order. What have you learned from this “panster” season of life? As the “new normal” slowly ensues the whirlwind of the past five months, take a moment to reflect. Then, continue to move forward with grace, gratitude, and a smile (even if it can’t be seen behind your mask).