I’m a pantser. I fly by the seat of my pants. I can’t outline. I have many ideas and plots in my head, but really, the characters don’t begin to come to life until I begin writing.
I put myself into their shoes and figure out what they’d do, what they’d say, etc. Sometimes I surprise myself when I can’t think of what to write next and then it comes to me.
But I do write myself into walls and then end up wasting a lot of time…I’ll have “Oh crap” moments where I realize that science or logic or some little tidbit just doesn’t work and it requires a major overhaul or a complete changeover to make up for one little thing.
I suppose outlining could fix all of that. Many writers swear by it.
What do you do, 3.5 readers?
Bookshelf Battle 
Pantster, though I am doing a little bit of outlining. My latest WIP has had me become an architect in order for me to describe a building. I also have to write a journal as my characters have found one, but I’m not exactly sure what’s in it. So, now I have to write that too. A writer is never just a writer, we are researchers, actors, and architects. I’m sure I’m missing several other occupations but I just can’t think what they are at the moment. 🙂
That’s very interesting. I’m not sure if its laziness on my part (it probably is) but I’d probably just go like “The building was big.” Then again, maybe I wouldn’t, maybe if it is a special building or something.
*Pantser
I generally know the ending and the beginning of the story, and pants on through it.
If I get really stuck, or if I really need to stick to a strict schedule, I’ll outline. Otherwise, it’s all improv.
Yes, thats me too. I have a beginning and an end, its getting them to connect is the problem.
I’m a hard-core, multi-level outliner. I can’t manage to get the words to flow until I know exactly where I’m headed and why. It takes longer in the beginning, but it has saved me a ton of time in rewriting and (hopefully) some grey hairs!
Oh I am such a plotter. I even make outlines for blog posts haha
Do you find them helpful?
Yeah, but that’s just kinda how my brain works. I can’t not make outlines.
I wish I was a plotter. If I plot I give up.
Pantser most of the time unless I’m writing something long or academic.
Isn’t academia mostly pantsing your way through long important sounding articles? Muah ha ha.
I’m probably more of an outliner. Honestly, I don’t know how people write with no idea of where the story is going. Before I write a single word (generally), I outline a chapter by chapter plot arc that includes separate character arcs. THEN, I allow my inner pantser to take over when I’m writing in each individual chapter. Quirks for my characters, side plots, etc. all can be pursued while I’m writing, but since all of it is within an already complete plot plan I don’t have to worry about writing into left field. Nobody likes having to dump content they spent hours toiling over because it doesn’t fit.
On a separate note, I invariably DO always have to cut some sections during the editing process. I’m thinking, after my newest novel is released, that I might start posting those sections on my website to give readers a look into my refining process. Maybe fill them in on why a particular scene, character development, or tangent didn’t work with the overall story. What do you think, BQB? Good idea or crappy one?
Sounds like a good idea. Readers might be interested in checking out some behind the scenes stuff. The key to marketing and promotion seems to be to go beyond just “buy my book!” to talking about things that will get your readers interested.
It all seems like its trial and error. Hopefully I’ll figure out the key to getting 30.5 readers by 2020.