Writing Tip #7--Plotter, Pantser, or Plantser?

Plotters, Pantsers, and Plantsers: Which One Are You?

When it comes to writing fiction, authors often find themselves gravitating toward distinct methods of planning (or not planning) their stories. These approaches can be broadly categorized into three main types: plotters, pantsers, and the increasingly popular plantsers. Each style has its unique advantages and challenges, and understanding which one suits you best can make a significant difference in your writing process. Let’s dive into what these terms mean, their strengths and weaknesses, and how you can harness them to craft your next great story.

Plotters: The Architects of the Writing World

Who Are Plotters?

Plotters are writers who meticulously plan their stories before they begin drafting. They outline their characters, world-building, plot points, and even individual scenes. For plotters, a story isn’t a journey of discovery; it’s a carefully mapped expedition.

Strengths of Plotting

• Clarity and Direction: Plotters often have a clear roadmap, which helps prevent writer’s block. They know what happens next and why.

• Consistency: Detailed outlines help plotters maintain logical coherence in their story arcs and character development.

• Efficiency in Editing: A well-planned story often requires fewer rewrites because major plot holes are addressed during the outlining stage.

Challenges for Plotters

• Rigidity: A strict outline can sometimes stifle creativity, leaving little room for spontaneous ideas that arise during drafting.

• Time-Consuming: Creating a detailed outline can be a lengthy process, potentially delaying the start of actual writing.

• Overplanning: Some plotters risk getting stuck in the planning phase, never feeling “ready” to begin their draft.

Tips for Aspiring Plotters

• Use tools like Scrivener, Notion, or even a simple Excel spreadsheet to organize your outlines.

• Consider using plotting methods like the Snowflake Method or the Three-Act Structure to provide a framework.

• Stay flexible! Allow room for unexpected inspiration.

Pantsers: The Adventurers of Storytelling

Who Are Pantsers?

The term “pantser” comes from the phrase “flying by the seat of your pants.” Pantsers dive into writing without a predetermined plan, letting the story unfold organically. For them, the joy of writing lies in discovering the narrative as they go.

Strengths of Pantsing

• Creative Freedom: Pantsers thrive on spontaneity, allowing their characters and plot to evolve naturally.

• Excitement and Engagement: Writing without a plan can be thrilling, as pantsers often feel like they’re experiencing the story alongside their characters.

• Flexibility: Without a rigid outline, pantsers can easily pivot when new ideas emerge.

Challenges for Pantsers

• Risk of Writer’s Block: Without a plan, pantsers can struggle to figure out what happens next.

• Plot Holes and Inconsistencies: Stories crafted on the fly may require extensive editing to address logical gaps or weak story arcs.

• Unpredictable Outcomes: Sometimes, pantsing results in a story that veers off-course or lacks cohesion.

Tips for Aspiring Pantsers

• Keep a notebook or digital app handy to jot down sudden ideas or twists that come to mind.

• Focus on character-driven storytelling. When in doubt, let your characters guide the narrative.

• Embrace the editing phase. For pantsers, the first draft is just the beginning.

Plantsers: The Best of Both Worlds

Who Are Plantsers?

Plantsers are a hybrid of plotters and pantsers. They do some planning but leave enough room for spontaneity. For plantsers, the story framework is a guideline, not a rulebook.

Strengths of Plantsing

• Balanced Approach: Plantsers enjoy the structure of plotting without sacrificing the creative spontaneity of pantsing.

• Adaptability: If a plan isn’t working, plantsers can easily adjust mid-story.

• Efficiency: By combining planning with improvisation, plantsers often find a sweet spot between preparation and productivity.

Challenges for Plantsers

• Undefined Boundaries: Without a clear plan or full freedom, plantsers may occasionally feel stuck in the middle.

• Finding the Right Balance: It can take time to determine how much planning is “just enough” for each story.

• Risk of Overwhelm: Balancing planning and improvisation requires juggling both mindsets, which can be challenging.

Tips for Aspiring Plantsers

• Start with a loose outline, focusing on major plot points or character arcs.

• Use tools like bullet journaling or mind maps to visualize your ideas without locking yourself into a rigid plan.

• Experiment with your process. You might plot more for one project and pants more for another.

Which Style Suits You?

Finding your writing style isn’t about picking one label and sticking with it forever. Many authors experiment with all three methods depending on the story, their mood, or their growth as writers. Here are a few questions to help you identify your natural inclination:

• Do you feel anxious without a plan? You might be a plotter.

• Do you enjoy discovering the story as you write? Pantsing could be your calling.

• Do you like having a roadmap but want the freedom to take detours? Plantsing might be perfect for you.

Adapting Your Style

The beauty of these approaches is that they aren’t set in stone. A die-hard plotter might experiment with pantsing during a NaNoWriMo challenge, while a pantser might try outlining to overcome a bout of writer’s block. Plantsers, by their nature, already embrace flexibility, making them more open to experimenting with their process.

Famous Examples

To better understand these styles, let’s look at how some Christian authors align with these approaches:

• Plotters: Karen Kingsbury, known for her Baxter Family series, carefully plans her novels in advance. Her intricate storylines, spanning multiple books, demonstrate the power of precise plotting to maintain consistency and emotional depth.

• Pantsers: Francine Rivers, beloved for Redeeming Love and other Christian fiction, often starts her stories with an idea or theme and allows the characters and plot to evolve as she writes. She trusts the process to lead her where the story needs to go.

• Plantsers: C.S. Lewis, author of The Chronicles of Narnia, exemplified the plantser approach. He started with broad concepts—like the allegorical nature of Aslan—while allowing room for discovery and unexpected turns in his narratives.

Conclusion

Whether you’re a plotter, pantser, or plantser, there’s no “right” way to write a story—only the way that works best for you. Understanding these approaches can help you navigate your creative process, overcome challenges, and enjoy the journey of storytelling. So grab your pen, notebook, or keyboard, and embrace your unique path as a writer. The world is waiting for your stories!