The Art of Writing without a Net: The Pantser Approach
What does Pantser mean?
The Pantser – someone who writes by the seat of their pants, letting the story unfold in front of them almost as a surprise. If you're a Pantser, you likely jump into your projects with basic story ideas or a character in mind and simply start writing. Plot? Structure? Those are things to be discovered along the way, not planned ahead of time.
Imagine setting out on a road trip with no map, just a sense of adventure and the open road – that's Pantser writing. It's spontaneous, exciting, and a bit unpredictable, but for many, it's the most organic way to let their creativity flow.
Pros of being a Pantser
The Freedom to Create
Start writing and feel the wind in your pages, setting your characters on a journey across uncharted waters. Pantsers relish in creative freedom, enabling unexpected plot twists, richer character development, and more profound thematic exploration.
Space for Intuition
Intuition can be the writer's best-kept secret. Pantser writers tend to write on instinct, swiftly adjusting to the needs of their tale without the constraints of an outline. This can lead to those electrifying "Aha!" moments that make the story unique and alive.
The Pulse of Discovery
There's a unique thrill in being a Pantser, writing without a clear destination in mind. As a Pantser, discovering the story right alongside your characters can inject a sense of excitement into the process, resulting in work that feels both spontaneous and organic.
Cons of being a Pantser
The Peril of Pacing
Without a net, even the most experienced Pantser can begin writing with enthusiasm but soon lose control over their narrative's speed and direction. This often leads to a story with uneven pacing, which can bewilder or bore readers.
The Structure Struggle
Every story, no matter how wild, benefits from some form of structure. Lack of planning can lead to meandering plotlines and narrative threads that go nowhere, risking the story's coherence and satisfying conclusion. A Pantser might have to put in extra time during the editing process to tighten up their story.
The Doldrums of Mid-Book
The middle of a manuscript is where many writers despair under the weight of the ‘sagging middle’. For a Pantser, this can feel like wandering through a writing wasteland, trying to find the next peak in the narrative.
Famous Pantser writers
- Margaret Atwood - the genius behind "The Handmaid's Tale," is all about letting the story breathe and grow on its own. No tight leashes here; she's cruising through her writing journey with a "let's see where this goes" attitude.
- George R.R. Martin - our mastermind of "A Song of Ice and Fire" (you know, the backbone of "Game of Thrones"), prefers to garden his plots. He plants ideas like seeds and watches them blossom into intricate, unpredictable tales. Talk about letting nature take its course!
- Neil Gaiman - the brilliant brain behind "American Gods" and "Coraline," starts with just a sprinkle of an idea and then ventures into the unknown, crafting his story step by adventurous step. It's like he's on a treasure hunt with no map, and we're all invited.
- Stephen King - the king of suspense, thrives on spontaneity. Kicking off with just a premise or a scenario, he lets the characters and plot weave themselves into spine-tingling stories. It seems like his pen has a mind of its own!
- Pierce Brown - the creator of the Red Rising saga, follows where his characters lead, letting the story unfold with the natural flow of their journeys. It's as if the characters are whispering the plot to him, and he's just the scribe.
Mapping the Story: The Plotter’s Precision
What does Plotter mean?
A Plotter is someone who wouldn't dream of starting their writing journey without a detailed map in hand. They meticulously plan each chapter, character arc, and plot twist before writing the first sentence. Think of it like constructing a building: you wouldn't start without architectural plans, and a Plotter applies the same principle to their stories.
For Plotters, the excitement lies in the planning process. They revel in outlining every detail, ensuring their narrative has a solid structure from the outset. This approach minimizes the risk of hitting dead ends or wandering off track, allowing for a smoother writing process.
Pros of being a Plotter
Direction and Control
For Plotters, the beauty is in the blueprint. With a clear road map, you’re never lost. Knowing where the story is headed means you can steer the narrative towards necessary points to craft a satisfying and coherent reading experience.
The Power of Anticipation
When an author has a bird's eye view of the story, it’s easier to seed clues and foreshadow events that will leave readers begging for more. The carefully laid groundwork during the plotting stage can lead to more rewarding payoffs.
Lean, Mean Writing Machine
With a plan in place, the writing process becomes less about discovery and more about execution. This efficiency means Plotters can avoid the mid-novel slump and often produce a cleaner first draft, requiring less reworking.
Cons of being a Plotter
Meeting Resistance
Finding the sweet spot between sticking to a detailed outline and making it way too complex is kind of like walking a tightrope. Sometimes, when you're plotting everything out, you might find your carefully crafted plan doesn't want to play ball with those awesome ideas that pop up out of nowhere as you're writing.
Creativity Constricted
Leaning too heavily on a predetermined plot can turn the blank page into a constraint rather than a canvas for creativity. Writers might become so tethered to their initial outline that they overlook outside-the-box ideas that could elevate their work.
Boredom for the Writer
Plotting every detail of the story can rob the writing process of its surprises and delight. If you’re not excited by your story, how can you expect your readers to be?
Famous Plotter writers
- J.K. Rowling - The mind behind the Harry Potter series is known for her extensive plotting. Rowling meticulously planned the series' intricate plotlines, characters, and magical lore years before the final book was published, using detailed outlines and charts.
- John Grisham - Famous for his legal thrillers, Grisham’s approach to writing involves thorough outlining. He crafts detailed plots and subplots before starting the writing process, ensuring tight, page-turning narratives.
- James Patterson - Patterson's commercial success is often attributed to his methodical plotting process. He outlines extensively, creating clear templates for his novels that help maintain pace and suspense throughout.
- Agatha Christie - The Queen of Mystery, Christie plotted her novels and short stories with precision, allowing her to weave intricate puzzles that have captivated readers for decades. Her ability to drop subtle clues and red herrings was built on a foundation of careful planning.
- Brandon Sanderson - Known for his elaborate fantasy worlds and magic systems, Sanderson spends significant time plotting his novels. His detailed world-building and complex story arcs are testament to his meticulous planning process.
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Is it better to be a plotter or a pantser?
Neither! The journey to becoming a successful writer is super personal and totally varies from one person to the next. It's all about finding what clicks for you.
For some, maintaining a consistent writing routine is their golden ticket – it boosts their productivity and ensures they resonate deeply with their audience. Others are like chameleons, changing their writing style to match the vibe of whatever project they're diving into.
At the end of the day, it's all about what makes you feel like you're in your groove and being true to your unique self.
How to Find Your Writing Way
Torn between being a Pantser or a Plotter? Consider these points to guide you:
What drove you in the past?
If you prefer to have your story's texture and arc fully realized before starting, you're likely a Plotter, valuing careful planning. Conversely, if you thrive on creativity bursts and exploring the unknown, you're probably a Pantser, letting inspiration guide your writing. Reflect on past projects—did you plan meticulously (Plotter) or dive in spontaneously (Pantser)? Your approach can reveal your natural writing style.
Try It All on for Size
Join writing communities or workshops to experiment with various techniques, such as Pantser, Plotter, and Plantser styles. Analyze and document the outcomes to identify which approach suits you best. Share your stories for feedback to understand what feels most authentic and engaging, leveraging insights from fellow writers or beta readers to refine your style.
The Case for Evolution
Remember, writing styles evolve, influenced by the work's voice. Stay open to developing your style and adapting as necessary. Ultimately, choose the style that best allows you to tell your story effectively. Trust your instincts and embrace the approach that helps you craft your narrative's best version.
The Plantser Compromise
The Plantser seeks harmony between the structure of plotting and the spontaneity of pantsing. It’s the best of both worlds; you set off on your planned route with the willingness and flexibility to deviate—and sometimes, you find gold in these undiscovered detours.
Planning Ahead for Flexibility
By forming a skeletal structure of the story before you write, you provide yourself with guardrails that keep you from driving too far off the narrative road. Simultaneously, you retain the freedom to take a scenic route when inspiration strikes.
The Art of Discovery
A Plantser keeps their story firmly grounded without sacrificing the joy of writing into the unknown. They plot to a degree that enhances the tale, yet remain open to the ways in which characters could spontaneously come to life on the page.
Easing the Mid-Book Blues
For the Plantser, remaining open to change can keep the writing process fresh and exhilarating. This approach allows you to stay invested in the story and discover new pathways that might not have been anticipated in a purely plotted tale.
