Plotter vs. Pantser, or Hybrids Seem to be the Way to Go

When I first started writing many, many years ago, I was told you HAD to outline. And I tried, and tried, and tried.  And then quit.  I couldn't outline.  Part of the reason for that was because I hadn't learned how to plot.

What I could do, and I think I have always done that well, was create interesting characters.  I often would imagine a certain character doing or saying something intriguing, or an image would appear to me, and I would wonder what was going to happen next.  I would write these snippets down, and then try to keep writing to figure out more.  And then I would think, "I better start outlining", and then I'd get frustrated because the characters weren't doing what they were told to do.  I felt like I was the Character Police, and I was constantly writing infraction tickets for characters that were essentially jaywalking, going where they wanted to no matter how hard my arms were flailing around, signaling them "over here!"

The worst part of all this is I felt like a failure as a writer.  REAL writers outline, and that's why their books get published.

Sigh.

So I didn't write.  Instead I read books ABOUT writing, trying to find that magic formula on how to outline, so I could write my books.

One autumn day I stumbled across a book in the library, with the preposterous title, No Plot? No Problem! by Chris Baty.  I started to pick it up, but then changed my mind.  I had decided to relinquish reading any more writing books, since I had this intuitive notion that I should just sit down and write, rather than read about the topic.

I walked to another part of the library, but I came back.  "I'll just look at the back cover," I said, sure I was able to control my impulse.

It sounded intriguing.  Write a book in a month? Huh.  Well, I didn't need to read a book to do that.

But I couldn't put the book back on the shelf for some reason.  "I can check it out," I convinced the resistant part of myself.  "The worst thing that will happen is I'll have to pay an overdue fine, like I do with almost every book I check out.  Which isn't a bad thing since the library IS asking for donations for the new building."

I took the book home, and consumed it in one sitting.  In addition to being rolling-on-the-floor hilarious, there was this subversive, incredibly liberating notion:  write a set amount every day, WITHOUT OUTLINING, and you will be writing so fast your internal editor won't be able to keep up with you.

I realized that was my biggest problem with outlining.  It always gave the bitchy internal editor a chance to sneer and say, "Ohmygod, you have outdone yourself with crappy ideas.  Yeesh.  Could you come up with anything worse than---YES, you can, and have. . ." [choking noises ensue]

There was plenty of mentions in No Plot? No Problem! about the National Novel Writing Month (affectionately known as NaNoWriMo) coming up in November, which was only about a month away.  I decided to give it a try, thinking it would be an interesting challenge.

I fell in love.

With writing.  And my characters, who surprised me each day with their interesting lives, and hilarious dialogue, and crazy antics.  All of it was a complete surprise, because I didn't know what was going to happen when I sat down at the keyboard each day.  And I was excited about writing, because it was fun, not a chore.

I was so happy, I think I even gave my snarling internal editor a big fat juicy kiss. 

This is how I wrote BAD SEX KARMA, at least the first draft of 50,000 words.  It was a glorious, inspiring burst of creativity, no holds barred, no second guessing, and no inhibitions. 

I had finally found my writing style.

Now I fly through the creative portion, excited to see what my characters are going to say and do, knowing it will be a surprise, as well as a foundation for a story I can work with during revisions.  This method also silences the critical voice inside, since once I get through the first 30 to 50 pages, I give my Pantser persona a little help from Plotter persona.  They collaborate, considering a variety of ideas to keep the story going in a slightly more structured fashion, and writing down a loose outline of events to follow, with the caveat that everything is subject to change.

I have become a Hybrid.

Pantser is joyful, filled with possibilities, running around with boundless enthusiasm.  Plotter is a bit dour, always on the lookout for disaster, trying to ensure no one makes an ass of themselves.

I have become a writing team. 

 

 

 

Comments

[Deb]

It's so interesting to hear how other people do it - the whole plot, outline thingy. I too have a hard time with a strict outline. And scene cards? Forget it! I do write very loose outlines of the general plot, including a subplot or two, but then let my characters grow into those roles organically. Afterall, I already know they'll end up there because it's who they are but I agree, the fun comes with the surprises they throw at you along the way.

[Donna]

Deb,

Thanks so much for your comment! I agree about the loose outline and organic character growth. I think I'm a lot more structured than I used to be, partly because I've learned more about structure recently. But I LOVE LOVE LOVE when a character throws out a wild comment that gives yet another hint of their personality -- and helps steer the plot in fun directions.

It's great to hear your comments. And good luck with your writing!