Plotter or Pantser?

Perhaps the most controversial aspect of writing – one that most writers will have a strong opinion about – is the plotter or pantser debate. If you’ve been a part of the writing community for a while, you’ll probably have heard these terms (and probably have a strong opinion). But, in case you’re new or need a refresher, here are the differences.

Plotter or Pantser?

A plotter is a writer who likes to spend time planning their story before they start writing. Rather than letting the story unfold naturally, plotters start by creating an outline, making use of one of the plot structures. These outlines are important, if not essential, to a plotter’s writing process. They often feel there is no way to write a cohesive story without a plan, and the thought of writing without a plan terrifies them.

Conversely, pantsers like to write without spending a lot of time planning; they write ‘by the seat of their pants’. They like to take an idea and just write, allowing their imagination to determine where the story goes. Many have a general idea of their story, but they enjoy the process of learning the story as they are discovering their story. Pantsers often feel that outlining stifles their creativity.

The Pros and Cons of Being a Plotter

Pros	Cons
​Plotters know where their story is going before they write. Because of this, plotters don’t suffer writer’s block as often. Plotters tend to write their novels faster or smoother.	Plotters are more confined to their outline, and, if they want to change something, they often need to change their outline.

The Pros and Cons of Being Pantser

Pros	Cons
Pantsers have the freedom and flexibility to follow where you instinctively feel your story should go. It’s more exciting to discover the story as you write. It’s quicker to get started.	Pantser-written drafts often have pacing and structural problems. These can be fixed during the editing stage, but this can be overwhelming. Pantsers often find they’ve written themselves into a corner and don’t know how to get themselves out. Pantsers often find they abandon their novel at this stage.

Is One Better Than the Other?

There is a bit of elitism in some parts of the writing community that says plotting is the best (and only) way to write. This may be true for some people (me included), but others work better when they have more flexibility. The most notable pantsers are Neil Gaiman, George RR Martin and Diana Gabaldon, so, if you’re a pantser, you’re in good company.

Do You Have To Be One or the Other?

Some will tell you that you are either one or the other, but there is a middle ground that combines elements of both. These people are often called plantsers. They do some planning, but they also allow their imagination to guide them. The reality is that most people are plantsers.

The main difference between the two is the level of playing done before the writer starts their first draft. Indeed, Ada Palmer of Tor.com believes that plotters and pantsers do essentially the same steps, just in different orders.

So, Should I Plan or Just Go For It?

That’s really up to you. If you’re new to writing, I’d recommend writing down the basic plot points at least to help you structure your novel before you start writing. You can play around with how much planning you want/need to do. Ultimately, you should do whatever makes the writing process easier and more enjoyable.