What are pantsers?
Writers who write by the seat of their pants—no outline. They just sit down and start to write. Or so, that’s what I’ve been told. Surely they have some kind of story idea, but maybe not.
Pantsers, if you’re reading this post, I’d like to pick your brain.
Ten years ago I was taking a writing class that required me to write a fiction scene. Just one scene.
Later, I decided liked that scene and the characters I had created. So, I took it and started writing a full novel.
I did some initial plot work, but didn’t plot the entire book. I got around 14,000 words written before I put the story down and turned to other more demanding projects. Admittedly, questions of plot stopped me.
This year, I picked that story back up and determined to finish it.
Problem #1: Not having a full outline of my story
As I have neared the end of the story, I realized there were elements to my story I hadn’t thoroughly thought out. It brought my writing to a screeching halt as I turned back to research and sought answers. For about two weeks I didn’t do any writing.
My commitment is to write daily. (I don’t always succeed, but I do try.) So this problem was getting in the way. As I did research, instead of writing, I just kept coming up with more problems to the main action of my story. Then one morning, the Lord finally got through to me…
You don’t need an answer to this question right now. Finish your draft and find the answers when you revise.
Hallelujah and amen! I started writing again.
Problem #2: Tidbits of research cropping up as I wrote
Be it known, you can do a great deal of research before you write your story, but don’t be surprised when little things crop up that demand more. Don’t let them get in your way.
If you’re in a creative flow when one rears its head, don’t stop to do the research because you’ll interrupt that flow. Simply make a quick inline annotation about it and continue writing. Unless it absolutely essential to your plot, do the extra research after you finish your draft.
Your story is going to go through numerous revisions, so there’s plenty of time for that extra research and plot refinement. Finish the draft first.
The starts and stops I’ve had in writing this novel have made me an even stronger proponent of outlining. I like Randy Ingermanson’s snowflake method best.
So tell me, pantsers, how do you just sit down and write?
- Do you have some of that story worked out in your head?
- After you’ve written your draft, how do you track your plot and ensure it flows?
- What about your characters?
Curious minds would like to know, especially since this curious mind finds herself in that seat.
Please leave your advice and suggestions in the comments below.