Plotter or Panster? Which are you?

[cherrystark]

I daydream a lot of my stuff too. I still remember going on a walk one day last summer and came back with a whole story planned. Whatever "world-building" I come up with is what sticks around in my brain long enough to become part of the story. I try to make written notes if I have too many loose ends in play or even one shots that need to fix back in, but even if a plan a good sequence for those ideas, I end of changing my mind.

[BreakingChalk]

I am a P L A N T S T E R

[foxnflames]

This is not an accurate definition of a plotter lol. People who plot don’t lay out every detail and I’m sure y’all who tell people you pants every time you blink think at least a little about where your story is going. GUESS WHAT? THAT’S PLOTTING!

If you make notes or have an iota of where you wanna go with your story, you’re plotting. And people who plot don’t have some huge notebook or files of notes on notes of every single detail of their story.

Personally, I have my acts laid out with the overall points of what I want to happen. Then I add bullets of how I want to bridge them. Then I outline and write. Most of the time I deviate from it and sometimes I move things around. I constantly think about where the story is going and as I think of me things, I adjust. I don’t like sticking to something so strict, so I like the freedom of writing at will but knowing what track in on.

Regarding your outline you gave, I’d say you need to add an inciting event between the hook and first plot point. And a climactic moment after the climax and before the resolution. Also, I think you need to spread out your chapters. As you write, you need to sprinkle in some subplots and more plot/character development, or else your story will come off as rushed and you’ll probably end up jamming so many things in they won’t have time to flesh out.

There are a lot of resources on act structures and character arcs that are helpful. They benefitted me when I planned out my story.

[alexlcuri07]

I prefer organic writer because the idea of being associated with people who pull other people's pants down is a little bit cringey to me.

Also, I'm a strong advocate for doing what works for you, when it works best for you, however that works for you.

Personally, I tend to sit down and write until I have enough material that I can organize in a better way. I use that rough material to "plot." It would be most accurate to call myself a character driven writer, because my character's conflicts, motives, and personality often dictate what happens at any given moment. Essentially, I am at the behest of the numerous imaginary bullies who reside in my head rent free.

[therosesword]

Writer: Are You A Plotter or Pantser? Take This Quiz Now!

[Just_Chyna]

Did I spell it wrong lol

[Just_Chyna]

Sorry about the definition. Appreciate the advice.

[foxnflames]

You’re welcome. I can link you the sites if you want

[Just_Chyna]

That'd be great. Thank you.

[foxnflames]

Here they are (and for anyone else who finds them helpful)

This has the three act structure broken down:

The Secrets of Story Structure (Complete Series) - Helping Writers Become...

Different character arcs:

Learn 5 Types of Character Arc at a Glance: The 3 Negative Arcs (Part 2 of 2) -...

[sorin_gran]

I'm a pantser who loses my pants from time to time.

[BreakingChalk]

No, you got it right (I guess so, this is the second time I've found the term panster for writing), I just tried to combine Plotter and Panster in one word, hehe.

[therosesword]

there are three reasons I make any notes,

1. I'm on the toilet and a piece of dialog occurs and I've got a memory like a sieve so there are notebooks and pens allllll over my place.

2. I'm out for a walk or on my treadmill or doing something away from my computer

3. I wake up in the middle of the night when the muse sits on my bladder, scribble some note and realize I can't read them in the morning.

but truth be told, I'm not at my computer 24/7 and sometimes I go sit on the back landing and write a whole chapter long hand because I like to write longhand and then I come in and transcribe it.

[therosesword]

thought you might like to see this as he is a pantser:

[cherrystark]

Thanks for sharing this video with us. I liked his metaphor about the fire, sometimes I just need more light to fully be able to see my characters.

What I like about pantsing, or organic writing as I prefer to call it, is that you can apply as much logic as you want to your writing process. George R.R. Martin describes the two "groups" as architects and gardeners. Architect writers need everything to be perfect for their product to work. Gardeners let stuff grow. And if you've ever dabbled in gardening, you know that to have a successful garden, you do have to put a lot of thought and yes, planning into your work to get a result. The same reaction and development won't happen everytime, and sometimes your little plants surprise you and grow into something more fruitful than you ever planned it to be. The key is letting nature take it's course.

[WizardWatson]

Plotter, all day long. As an engineer, I cannot fathom starting a project without a clear roadmap and end goal in mind. "Failure to plan is planning to fail," is my motto.

[therosesword]

kind of like like me planning on my last cat from his pictures and descriptions on the pet finder page as being medium size and he turns out to be 36" from tail to nose and 19 lbs. ahahaha or maybe planning on buying a cute little red puppy named clifford!

[AnimeKitty]

I'd have to say I'm a mix between both, but have tried them all out. I like having the basic idea plotted out then write the rest by the seat of my pants, as you put it. Just try what feels best for you. I'd encourage you to try writing out some basics first, but if you think pantsing will do best for your story, then go for it. Lots of trial and error will be the way to figure out how you write best.

[CuzWhyNot]

Panter, I'll often go to write what was going to be a happy scene, and it turns into.... well.... that's where the scenes with more gore come from.

[Just_Chyna]

you need to sprinkle in some subplots

Maybe ill add a chapter for the subplot in every 3 chapter

Ex.
Chapter 1: Main Plot
Chapter 2: MP
Chapter 3: Subplot
Chapter 4: MP
Chapter 5: MP
Chapter 6: SP

or something like that idk. I like the idea tho