What type of writer are you? Conventional thought within the writing world avows there are two types of writers: Pantsers and Plotters. The preference for which method to use depends on the comfort zone of each author.
As the name implies, Pantsers write by the seat of their pants. They enjoy the act of discovery as they allow their imaginations and characters free rein to craft the story. Rather than focus on a detailed plot, they look through the eyes of their characters to develop each scene. Famous Pantsers include Stephen King, Margaret Atwood, Mark Twain, and Raymond Chandler.
On the other side of the spectrum are Plotters, who prefer the structure of outlining the plot before settling in to pen a novel. They use mind maps, notecards, written summaries of each chapter or scene, or even hand-scribbled charts. Resources abound with guides to plotting a novel. I recommend The Plot Clock by Joyce Seeney, Jamie Morris, and Tia Levings. A concise guide, with illustrations and examples, The Plot Clock is an easy-to-follow method. Authors of note who fall into the Plotters category include J.K. Rowling, John Grisham, and E.L Stein.
I tend to write in Pantser mode. From the time I started writing my first novel, Secrets of the Charles, I discovered characters and scenes come to me in spurts. As mentioned in a previous blog, the general theme for the book came from a long-ago memory. Throughout the writing, I allowed my mind a certain freedom to develop each chapter. Ideas came at random intervals: in the middle of the night; when I woke in the morning; during walks; and occasionally while driving. I found that when an idea popped up, I had to get to my laptop rather than allow the thoughts to percolate in my head.
Writers often find themselves shifting from a pure Pantser style into a hybrid of Pantser and Plotter. Notes are necessary to organize the developing characters and plot. As scenes and chapters progress, plot points and the voices of characters beg for consistency. To ensure credibility in the writing, details require documentation of research. Pantsers should keep a notebook handy while writing.
Don’t despair if you shift from one mode to the other. Quality creative writing demands flexibility.
About the author Susan Boyd: Her first novel, “Secrets of the Charles”, was a first-place winner of the 2010 Royal Palm Literary Awards. Her third novel, “Grey to Black”, won two Royal Palm Literary Awards. Susan resides in central Florida. She is currently working on a new novel set to release soon.