By the Seat of Your Pants or Not

Which type of writer are you, an outliner and panstser? Now some of you, I'm sure, are asking what does that mean?

There are writers who plan ahead. They can spend hours plotting out a story and creating a detailed outline that tells them how their story will begin, the major plot points throughout the story, and where it will meet its conclusion. They know who all of their main character are, their flaws and strengths, and weaknesses. These writers know almost everything about the world they're creating before they ever begin the process of writing.

Then you have the authors who know almost nothing about their story and probably plan very little or not at all. These writers fly by the seat of their pants, thus the name pantsers. They go in with a basic understand of perhaps one aspect of their story. Maybe the genre and the major plot point or the their main character. They may not even know how the storyline will play out, they simply begin writing.

You don't have to be stuck in one of these categories, you could fall somewhere between them. Maybe you like to create a very basic outline that tells you the main plot point or conflict and who your main characters are.

If you announce that you're going to write a book you'll get swamped with all kinds of advice from others on the "proper" way to do things. The truth is, whatever system works for you is the correct way. If it works for you, then do it. There are authors who insist you listen to music that fits your books while writing or do it in complete silence. Neither of these may work for you. Don't get hung up on what is 'right' and what is 'wrong' while creating your story. As long as the book comes together in the end and the story is coherent and entertaining, who care how you got there?

You can certainly listen to those who want to give you advice, but if it isn't working for you don't hang onto it simply because it came from a well-established author. Choose whatever process gets you through to the end. If the process you try has you struggling to focus or get anything done then it isn't right for you. Keep trying different things until you find that happy place and the words flow.