S. A. Soule - The Writers Guide to Plotting a Novel (Fiction Writing Tools Book 5)

There have been numerous discussions on the big debate of pantser vs. plotter.

*Pant-ser [pant-ser] noun*

Pantser- those who write by the seat of their pants.

One who writes a novel by the seat of their pants, without an outline, synopsis, character Bio sheets, or any semblance of pre-planning.

A pantser is a writer who writes by the seat of their pants. A pantser doesnt bother to write detailed plot or chapter outlines. They let the characters drive the narrative, and discover the story as it unfolds. Pantsers will uncover their characters weaknesses, traits, quirks, and personalities as they write. But pantsers will often write themselves into corners, because they dont bother adding the basic elements that every story needs to have a solid character ARC, including the key structural beats that work as the connective tissue between scenes, so they end up having to do a lot of rewrites.

*Plotter [plot-ter] noun*

Plotter- those who plot things out with a detailed synopsis or outline.

One who plots out a novel with a detailed outline or synopsis, uses character interview sheets, charts, or spreadsheets.

A plotter is a writer that spends weeks or even months outlining their storyline. In contrast, plotters know exactly where the story is going. Some plot out every scene, and others will plot out the general storyline and all major plot and pinch points. Plotters do extensive research and world-building before their craft their story. There are even numerous graphs, spreadsheets, questionnaires, and worksheets that plotters can use to achieve their in-depth formula.

One major thing plotters have that most pantsers dont, is that they tend to know their characters. Plotters have their characters personalities written out, their back stories fleshed out, and they even know all of their likes and dislikes, fears and weaknesses, and those fun character quirks. For the average plotter, all thats left to do is write the actual narrative.

Yes, I admit to basically being a pantser. But Im so sick of having to do months of revisions in order to create a more substantial plotline because I dont do enough story-boarding before drafting the actual novel. My last developmental editor, the brilliant Rochelle French (bestselling author and an an editor for Entangled Publishing) gave me some solid advice on plotting that I took to heart.

Was it hard to hear that my writing was great in MOONLIGHT MAYHEM, but my plot was a hot mess?

You betcha.

Now, Im trying to incorporate more plotting into my pantsing. I am also using as a guideline the Save the Cat Beat Sheet Spreadsheet for Novels created by Liz (last name?) to make sure my storyline is staying on track. At heart, I think Ill always be more of a pantser.