Stories can be written in multiple different ways and each writer will have an approach that works best for them.
Invariably, though, these approaches will fit across a spectrum that is book-ended by two categories: Pantser and Plotter.
These are very different approaches to writing a story – whether that is a piece of short fiction or a full-length novel – and in this latest blog, I’ll dive into defining what these two approaches are and how Pantser vs Plotter differ in practice.
Let’s get straight into those definitions…
What is a Pantser?
As the saying goes, a pantser is a writer who likes to fly by the seat of their pants.
To put it more simply, though, Pantsers approach writing without a predetermined plan or a clear idea of how their story will conclude. In the pantsing method, the narrative develops spontaneously, allowing the plot and characters to develop naturally.
The protagonist's journey remains uncertain, and the story's direction is discovered as it’s written. Each scene flows intuitively into the next, with dialogue and plot twists emerging in real time, often surprising both the writer and the reader alike.
If you’re reading this and new to writing, you’re perhaps thinking about how you can write a full story without a plan to follow, but many well-known authors have adopted this approach. Names like Neil Gaiman, George R. R. Martin, Margaret Atwood, Hilary Mantel, and Stephen King spring to mind.
King has previously said the following about being a Pantser: “Outlines are the last resource of bad fiction writers who wish to God they were writing masters’ theses.”
While this comment comes across as strong, King has also spoken extensively about wanting to be kept excited and surprised by the stories he is writing, rather than having them bloated by an outline that already gives away a story’s conclusion.
And it was for that very reason that I decided to adopt the Pantser approach when I started. I wanted to be guided by my characters, not vice versa. Almost like I’m seeing my characters and what they’re doing from a bird's-eye view. I just have the privilege of writing down what is happening.
What is a Plotter?
Now take everything you have read above – about Pantsers – and flip it on its head.
Plotters are the complete opposite. They are writers who meticulously plan a novel before putting pen to paper, as the saying goes. They research, outline, map out their entire story, draft their lore, and know their characters inside out – often drafting their story from start to finish on something like a spreadsheet, which they will constantly refer to as they write their story.
Think of it like cooking a certain recipe. When you’re cooking a new meal for the very first time, you will often turn to a recipe or a cookbook and follow the steps from start to finish. Essentially, you’re taking that approach to writing.
According to Goodreads, plotters include J. K. Rowling, E.L. Stein, and John Grisham.
Grisham has said, “The more time I spend on the outline, the easier the book is to write. And if I cheat on the outline, I get in trouble with the book.” Following on from that, Stein also says by outlining, you can avoid the dreaded writer’s block. “If you do enough planning before you start to write, there’s no way you can have writer’s block. I do a complete chapter-by-chapter outline.”
If you’re interested, J. K. Rowling has even shared a previous example of how she plotted out the fifth instalment of her Harry Potter books… you may have heard of them! I’m dropping a link to that here if you’d like to check it out.
Which is the right writing style for you?
For new writers, it’s difficult to categorise yourself right away.
Particularly when you’re writing your first novel, you will find yourself experimenting, finding methods and approaches that work best for you.
Ultimately, every writer that their neither solely a Pantser or, vice versa, a Plotter. They will find they are somewhere in between, taking characteristics from each definition to help shape their own writing style.
That is the best advice that can be given to any new writer: experiment.
Write one story as a Plotter and another as a Panster. See which approach you prefer. Madly map out your story. Close your eyes and let an idea take hold of your fingertips.
So long as you’re getting words on the page, it doesn’t matter which approach you align yourself to.
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