Are You A Plotter Or A Pantser?

By georgelthomas on 30 May 2023 • ( 5 )

Hi everyone! I hope you’re all well. Today I am talking about one of the most divisive topics in the writing community: whether or not it is better to “plot” or “pants” your way to a successful story.

Are You A Plotter Or A Pantser?

Are you a writer who meticulously plans every detail of your story, or do you prefer to dive in and let the words lead you? In the world of writing, these are two very distinct styles of approaching the creative process, and each has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Whether you consider yourself a “plotter” or a “pantser,” it is necessary to understand how your writing process can impact the outcome of your work. Below are some benefits and drawbacks of each approach to help you determine which style is right for you.

Plotting
One of the main advantages of taking a plotted approach to writing is that it helps you stay organized. By planning out the plot, characters, and world-building elements in advance, you can create a blueprint for your story that makes it easier to stay on track and avoid plot holes. This approach can also save you time in the long run, as you won’t have to go back and rewrite large sections of your work if you discover a significant flaw in the story.

Another benefit of plotting is that it can help you develop more complex and intricate storylines. By taking the time to flesh out your characters and their motivations, you can create a story that feels rich and layered. Additionally, having a sense of where the story is going can help you build suspense and foreshadow future events more effectively. It can also help if you are writing a series of books. You can plot the overarching story for all the books along with overall character arcs.

However, one of the drawbacks of plotting is that it can limit your creativity. If you are too focused on following your outline, you may miss opportunities to explore new ideas and characters that could add depth and complexity to your story. Additionally, if you’re too rigid in your planning, you may feel stifled and struggle to feel enjoyment in the writing process.

Pantsing
If you prefer a more fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants approach to writing, you may be a “pantser.” The main benefit of this approach is that it allows for more organic and unexpected plot developments. Without a strict outline, you can explore your characters and let the story unfold in new and exciting ways.

Another advantage of pantsing is that it can be more enjoyable than plotting. Since you aren’t restrained by the confines of a rigid plot outline, the writing process may feel more fun and engaging. Additionally, this approach allows you to be more flexible and open-minded with your story, which can lead to more creative breakthroughs.

However, there are also challenges to pantsing. One of the main pitfalls is that it can lead to inconsistent storytelling. Without a clear plan, you may discover plot holes or character inconsistencies, which can be challenging to fix later. Additionally, pantsing can be more time-consuming than plotting since you may have to rewrite significant portions of your work to correct issues.

Ultimately, there is no right or wrong way to approach writing. Whether you prefer to plot, pants, or even combine a mixture of the two, the writing process requires creativity and discipline in equal measure. Finding a method that works for you and your unique creative style is crucial, and the benefits and drawbacks of each approach are simply different sides of the same coin; it is up to you to decide which factors are most important to your process. Just keep in mind, whether you are a plotter or a pantser, the most important thing is to keep writing and never stop exploring the endless possibilities of your imagination.

As always, thank you for reading my words. It really does mean the world.

Until next time,

George