Plotter Or Pantser? Do You Need A Narrative Road Map?

It is almost that time again. November. That means two things. My birthday and NaNoWriMo. Every year, I give it a go, yet I never seem to get those 50,000 words down in 30 days and registered! Perhaps this year will be different (I say that every December). One very divisive argument surfaces in late October and that is whether you are a Plotter or a Pantser. If you have never heard of these words before, please continue reading and discover which you might be…

Writing a novel is an adventure into the unknown, a journey where the destination is often as mysterious to the writer as it is to the reader. It’s a realm where creativity reigns supreme, and the storyteller wields the power to craft entire worlds, characters, and narratives. Yet, within this realm, there exists a fundamental divide among writers: the choice between plotting and pantsing.

“Plotting” and Pantsing” are two distinct approaches to the writing process.

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“Plotting” and Pantsing” are two distinct approaches to the writing process. They represent the dichotomy between meticulous planning and free-spirited discovery. Each approach has its unique advantages and challenges, and the decision between the two often depends on the writer’s style, temperament, and the demands of the story they seek to tell. In this exploration, we’ll delve into the heart of this debate, dissecting the pros and cons of both plotting and pantsing, and ultimately helping you find your own path in the creative wilderness.

The Art of Plotting: Architectural Precision

Pros of Plotting:

1. Structure and Clarity: One of the primary benefits of plotting is the inherent structure it brings to your writing. You enter the writing process with a roadmap, a clear sense of where your story is headed. This can help prevent writer’s block and ensure your narrative maintains coherence and direction.
2. Effective Pacing: Plotting allows you to plan the pacing of your story meticulously. You can strategically place key events, twists, and climaxes to maintain reader engagement, ensuring that your novel flows smoothly from start to finish.
3. Character Development: When you plot, you can also plan character arcs and development in advance. This enables you to create multi-dimensional characters with clear motivations and growth trajectories.

Cons of Plotting:

1. Rigidity: Perhaps the most significant drawback of plotting is the potential for rigidity. A detailed outline may stifle your creativity or lead to a sense of predictability, as the story unfolds exactly as planned, leaving little room for spontaneity or unexpected twists.
2. Overthinking: Some writers who plot excessively may become mired in the details, spending more time crafting the outline than actually writing. This overthinking can hinder progress and lead to frustration.
3. Revisions and Adaptation: If you encounter new ideas or inspiration while writing, a rigid plot can make it challenging to adapt. Revisions may be required to incorporate these fresh elements, potentially disrupting the flow of the story.

The Joy of Pantsing: Creative Freedom

Pros of Pantsing:

1. Unbridled Creativity: Pantsing is synonymous with creative freedom. It allows you to explore your story with an open mind, discovering plot twists and character developments as you go. This spontaneity can lead to surprising and authentic storytelling.
2. Fluidity and Adaptability: If your story takes an unexpected turn, you’re free to follow it without the constraints of a pre-determined plot. This adaptability can lead to organic and engaging narratives.
3. Efficiency: For some writers, pantsing can be an efficient way to get words on the page quickly. Without the need for detailed outlines, they can dive straight into the narrative.

Cons of Pantsing:

1. Directionless Writing: The most significant challenge of pantsing is the potential for aimless wandering. Without a plan, you may find yourself stuck in a narrative quagmire, unsure of where your story is heading.
2. Editing Complexity: A pantser’s manuscript may require extensive revisions and restructuring in the editing phase to ensure coherence and pacing. This can be a time-consuming and challenging process.
3. Risk of Abandonment: Some writers who pants their way through a story may reach a point where they lose interest or become entangled in plot holes, leading to unfinished works.

Finding Your Balance: The Hybrid Approach

The debate between plotting and pantsing is not an either-or proposition. Many successful writers find a hybrid approach that combines the strengths of both methods, sometimes referred to as a plottser or a plantser. Here are some tips for discovering your own writing process:

1. Experiment: Try both plotting and pantsing on separate projects to see which approach feels more natural or productive for you.
2. Outline with Flexibility: If you prefer plotting, leave room for flexibility in your outline. Allow your characters and plot to evolve organically as you write.
3. Set Milestones: For pantsers, establish key milestones or turning points to provide a loose structure and direction for your story.
4. Iterate and Adapt: Be open to change. If you start with one approach and find it isn’t working, don’t be afraid to switch to the other.
5. Embrace Rewriting: Recognize that regardless of your approach, writing often involves multiple drafts and revisions. Embrace the rewriting process as an opportunity to refine and strengthen your narrative.

In the end, the choice between plotting and pantsing is a deeply personal one. It’s about finding the method that allows your creativity to flourish while also providing the necessary structure to transform your ideas into a cohesive and engaging story. Whether you meticulously plot every detail or embark on the adventure of discovery with each keystroke, remember that the journey itself is as important as the destination, and the process of finding your own writing process is a story worth telling.

I would like to say, I am a bit of both, a Plantser. I like to know where the story is going, I have a map but I make sure I have enough flexibility to explore new things if they pop up along the way since you never can tell with fictional characters. They have a mind of their own.

If you are interested in taking part in this year’s NaNoWriMo challenge, following this link NaNoWriMo and good luck. Let me know in the comments how it is going.