Awaken Your Inner Author
Plotter? Pantser? Or both?
Some authors say that the hardest part of writing a book is just getting your butt in the chair to sit down to write. That old Nike adage “just do it” often comes to mind.
Writing a book is no small feat. Authors often fall into two camps in how they write and complete their books: “plotters” versus “pantsers” (also known as “discovery” writers).
What’s the difference? Is one better than the other?
An author who creates a detailed book outline and methodically writes chapter by chapter sticking to the outline is known as a “plotter.”
This more “regimented” approach does not appeal to some authors who bemoan that it stifles their creativity. They prefer to plop down before the computer with a general notion about their topic and just start writing. They write by the “seat of their pants” and let their writing unfold as they “discover” where their muse leads them.
Admittedly, my natural inclination is to be a pantser. I just like to sit down and jump into writing. But, when it comes to working on a book, I have learned that creating a comprehensive blueprint and taking the plotter’s approach saves an enormous amount of blood, sweat, and tears, and especially time. Seriously it does.
What I have found though is that if you are a discovery writer or “pantser,” you can still operate as such within the framework of your book outline.
As you start drafting based on your outline, you can allow room to “discover” new ideas and revelations that spontaneously come to you as you write. You can add these new elements to your manuscript or use them instead of what’s in your outline.
An outline is like a road map. As long as you know where you are headed, you can make such adjustments and follow new paths that are still going in the same direction to get you to your ultimate destination.
By using a “hybrid” approach of following your outline while also allowing room for your intuition and muse to suggest additional or alternative ideas, you will enjoy the best of both approaches.
Your writing will combine the steady, methodical approach of the Knight of Pentacles (plotter) shown below with the “just do it” charging forth zeal of the Knight of Swords (pantser/discovery writer). And, you will get your book done!
