When it comes to authors, there are typically two categories they are placed in: plotting and pantsing. Each technique has its own pros and cons, but the question is, which are you, a plotter or a pantser? Below, we’ll discuss each technique to help determine if plotting or pantsing is right for you.
What Is Plotting?
Do you plan out your story ahead of time? You may be a plotter. Plotting is when you take the time to appropriately lay out and outline your story before you begin actually writing. Having a plan is important to you so you can create a well-detailed and thought-out book.
Pros Of Plotting
- Helps prevent holes in your story.
- You have a better understanding of where you want the story to go.
- Making co-writing easier – If you’re co-writing a book, plotting will keep the story more organized and keep you both on the same page.
- Outlining can give you a boost of motivation, which can ward off writer’s block.
- Better control of pacing – Plotting allows you to thoroughly plan big scenes in your book properly, so it remains a solid and compelling book throughout.
Cons Of Plotting
- Spending too much time planning – When you’re too focused on the outline, you may run low on time actually writing your story.
- Lack of spontaneity – Overplotting can lead to your story feeling predictable.
- Having issues moving forward – When you keep making revisions to the outline, it can be easy to get stuck in the planning phase.
What Is Pantsing?
You’ve likely heard of the saying “flying by the seat of your pants.” This means that you’re making decisions in the moment without a plan. The term “pantsing” refers to writing a book without preparing an outline ahead of time. Typically, they throw themselves into the writing process without or with minimal planning or outlining.
Pros Of Pantsing
- Freedom to be creative – When you don’t have a plan but you just write as it comes to you, you’re letting the creativity flow through you.
- Pantsing can bring spontaneous thoughts – Pantsing can bring unexpected thoughts and plots to the story. This could keep your audience on their feet.
- More exciting writing process – As a pantser, it can be fun to put pen to paper and see what kinds of ideas flow.
Cons Of Pantsing
- A potential for burnout – When you’re just letting the ideas come to you and they just continuously flow, pantsing can be fun. However, when the ideas stop flowing, it can lead you to feeling stuck, which can turn into burnout.
- Structural problems – When you let your creativity take the reins of your story, there could end up being structural problems with it, and it could lack substance, plot, and pacing.
Which Style Is For You?
If you prefer control and organization with your writing, the plotting method is more up your alley. If you just want the creativity to take over and to go with the flow with the writing process, pantsing may be the method for you. Regardless of the method you choose, pick one that feels most natural to you, so you can write the story that deserves to be told.
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