Jumping into the life of a novel writer, I’ve discovered there are generally two main approaches to the task. This is where the terms “Plotter” and “Pantser” come into play. However, if you’re like me, you fall in between these two camps. Yes, that means you’re a “Plantser”. Below, I explain, via doodles, the most popular paths used in creative writing journeys.
Ah, The Plotter. There are, of course, pros and cons to all approaches. The Plotter’s dedication to research and world-building can lend a depth and breadth to their storytelling that ensures an immersive ride for the reader. The con would be for those “writers” who spend years doing research and never seem to get down to the actual writing; their novel is always “in the works”. However, if you like a truly solid outline in place and research to back it up because it smooths out your writing process…You may be a Plotter.
Have you got a fantastic idea burning a hole in your head so intensely you dive right into writing? You may be a “Pantser” or someone who “flies by the seat of their pants”. A Pantser is open to an organic unfolding of their story from their original idea; they let the characters drive the direction of the story. It’s an approach that is wide-open to truly creative storytelling. On the con side, the Pantser can sometimes have trouble concluding the story or produce a plot-hole ridden story that without some serious editing may find themselves in world of confusion. Still, they do get down to writing right away.
You can also be a combination of the previous two methods. Yes, you can be a “Plantser”! I’ll admit that’s the category I find myself falling into. When I first started writing my novel, (set in late 19th century England), I didn’t do a lot of research. I just began writing. Due to an abundance of personal reading, I had enough familiarity with the period to begin writing without spending time researching. Checking on the historical accuracy came with the follow-up edits. Editing I’ll talk about in a whole other post. If you’re a writer or aspiring writer, what description do you think comes closest to you? As an aside: Don’t worry if you don’t think you fall into any of these categories. They are generalities after all.
I’ve found YouTube to be a great resource for beginning writers and where I first heard of the terms above. Whether you’re looking to publish traditionally or feel self-publishing is for you, these are some of my favourite Writers online today:
Jenna Moreci: funny and chock full of advice, she’s found at:https://www.youtube.com/c/JennaMoreci
Meg Latorre: Great advice with a background as a literary agent, she’s found at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKeBsBrWDtIBrnrCkxHo5MQ
Bethany Atazedah: consistently, detailed advice that can be eye-opening. She’s found at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPCRTrY4fiQXF9JXdNtr7rw
Mandi Lynn: lots of great advice and admirable business acumen. She can be found at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCY5S1UKi_vbqDLHSReCSWqw
Derek Murphy: great writing business advice for free and for a fee but it’s all good. He can be found at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCn6njwgR9SqJ8d-5R0teEFA
Of course, there’s tons more to be found. It’s wonderful to know that for the modern writer there are innumerable sources of help available at your fingertips. It’ll help you discover more than if your a “Plotter” or a “Pantser”.