From Pantser to Planner

Are you a writer that likes in-depth outlines with lots of research and notes at the ready or do you prefer to wing it and let the story unfold naturally?

Let’s examine the two and my journey from pantsing to planning.

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Pantsing vs. Planning

There are two main approaches to writing a story. The first is “pantsing,” meaning to write by the seat of your pants or “wing it,” and write the story according to whatever you think should happen next.

The second one is planning. This involves any depth of outlining from minimal point form notes to a detailed breakdown of each chapter or scene.

Neither is truly better than the other, but through my experience I’ve come to favour planning.

My Journey

Early in my writing journey I focused more on word count than planning or plot. I’d sit down and write whatever came to mind. Of course, this is the best way to learn. Practice is everything when you’re just starting out.

However, when I committed to writing a full length novel I’d end up approaching it the same way. I’ve written two full length first drafts this way, one by hand and the other typed. Each time, I’d get to the end and be unhappy with the…