Are you a Plotter or a Pantser?

The Case for Being a Plotter
by Deanna Martinez-Bey

I went back and forth with what I wanted to title this blog post. Unfortunately, Plotter vs. Pantser has been used to oblivion. But, in reality, that is what we will discuss.

Let’s start this subject off with a bang and look at the difference between a plotter and a pantser.

Plotter: A writer who plans out their story before they begin writing.

Pantser: A writer who prefers writing by the seat of their pants without any planning.

Which one are you?

I was going to try to write this article with a neutral voice. However, if I am honest with myself, I’m not sure I can.

Typically, a writer is one or the other. And whichever a writer chooses to be, they stand firm on their decision.

In comes me. I am here to lure you towards being a plotter. Maybe, just maybe, I can swing you in my direction.

Let’s compare the two options.

Reasons to outline your plot:

1. It gives us direction
2. It helps us glide through writing the chapters
3. It provides us with a goal
4. It helps us remember character names and details (we can refer back to our written outline)
5. It keeps us on track

Reasons not to outline your plot:

1. I can’t think of any
2. I don’t know
3. Oh, here is one: It can be fun not to have a clear direction?

Let me give you an example of what your outline can consist of:

Basic details of the book: What it is about, the character details, specific points you want to be sure to touch upon, each chapter name (this will guide you on what to write in each chapter), and any other details you wish to include.

Details you may not want to include in the outline:

Every detail as to what the character says, does, and feels.

Creating a basic outline still allows you the freedom to be a pantser. You can still create your story as you go. The outline will simply keep you on track.

At the end of the day, the system you use to complete your writing project is your decision. And no matter which route you choose, as long as you are writing and completing your projects, that is all that truly matters. 

Please share your thoughts on outlining, plotting, and pantsing in the comments.

The Case for Being a Pantser
by Elisa Lorello

Early in my novel-writing career, I identified and labeled myself as a “pantser”—the type of novelist who writes “by the seat of their pants” without a pre-planned outline.

But I have three confessions to make, and here they are.

One: I immensely dislike the term pantser.

Maybe I’m getting cranky as I age, but it’s an undignified way to describe an approach that, although organic, is not as flighty as you think. Which brings me to…

Two: If we are going to stick with the nomenclature, then I would refer to a specific style: parachute pants.

I’m not saying you have to actually wear them while writing—I don’t subscribe to the suffer-for-your-art mentality—but the metaphor is apt, because when it comes to revision, plotting is the parachute. In other words, outlining happens after the first draft is complete. After I’ve taken flight with my ideas and characters and dialogue, after I’ve allowed myself to freely and gloriously soar with creativity, I come in for a landing by paying close attention to story structure—the beats, the key scenes, the character and story arcs. In my earlier days as a writer, I was doing this on instinct. In subsequent years, I’ve applied different organizational techniques depending on the nature and complexity of the story.

Additionally, revision is where I begin considering an audience other than me, as well as elements such as rhythm and pace, intention and obstacle(s), and what the South Park writers call the “but/therefore” approach to storytelling. (Google it. You’re welcome.)

I’ve repeatedly tried to outline my story before drafting. And every time the result is a sapping of the creative process—I instantly lose interest in telling the story. I lose the joy and the fun of discovery. I lose the ability to fly.

Which leads me to my third confession:

There should be no “versus” between the terms “plotter” and “pantser.” The process isn’t an either/or. It’s not a right/wrong. Your process is yours. Do what works for you. Don’t let anyone shame you either way. I know writers who scribble every beat on a post-it note and stick each one to the wall before they draft a single word. I also know writers who type two thousand words in one session, and they only know where they’re going based on where they went in the previous two thousand words.

My husband, also a bestselling novelist, uses the golf swing analogy. “If you find a swing method that allows you to hit the ball straight and true, then don’t try to change it, however unconventional it may be,” he says.

Swing away.

Deanna Martinez-Bey is an author, freelance writer, baking class instructor, content creator, copy editor, and social media manager for authors. With twelve published books under her belt, a column in Pastry Arts magazine, and a certified cottage bakery, everything she does revolves around food and writing in one way, shape, or form. Deanna enjoys food and writing because she believes people bond over good food and books.

Elisa Lorello is a worldwide bestselling author of twelve novels, including her Faking It series, and a memoir, Friends of Mine: Thirty Years in the Life of a Duran Duran Fan. She is also a two-time International Book Awards Finalist and a Best Book Awards finalist. To date she has sold over a half-million books in multiple languages and formats. She currently lives in Montana with her husband and fellow author, Craig Lancaster.