Are you a plotter or pantser?

If you write, you probably know if you’re a plotter or pantser. If you’re new to writing, though, you may be wondering what the difference is!

The plotter – Some people are methodical planners when they write. They plan everything before writing the first word. Chapters, beginning, end, everything in between.

The pantser – And then some people just write and watch things happen – they fly by the seat of their pants!

I’ve found that I’m a little bit of both – this is a plantser!

A good novel has a plot, but how you get it written is so individual! Which one are you?

The need to be a plotter or pantser

My OCD says I must plot! And when I do it does a couple things for me:

• less chances of writer’s block because you know what’s next
• get the words down faster
• gives me goals of what needs to go where and when in my word count

Pros to being a pantser:

• flexibility
• fun – the other day I was writing and suddenly this character appeared! I had no idea he would be there or the role he would play.
• the story can change more easily

Find out if you’re a plotter or pantser

I found a fun quiz that reveals if you’re a plotter or pantser. You can find it here! It was spot on for me because planning is very important to me, but so is flexibility. I love to watch things happen as I write!

What works for you?

You, as the writer, get to determine what works best for you. If you’re a pantser, you’re in good company with Stephen King and Margaret Atwood

John Grisham and J.K. Rowling are plotters.

I’ve been reading James Scott Bell’s Plot and Structure and I use the beat sheets from Save the Cat!(R) I’ve found that planning out what needs to happen in certain sections of my book really helps me write to that. It gives me a goal to work toward.

It’s definitely sped my writing up and I’m so excited because I’ve hit the 1/2 way point!!

Read A Guide to Setting SMART Goals for Writers, then follow me on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram, and subscribe to my newsletter to keep up with news about my book and any special offers! Be sure you grab your FREE 10-step checklist to plan your novel when you subscribe!

Hi, I’m Jen! I’ve been married 37 years, have 5 amazing kids and 2 adorable grandkids and one on the way. I homeschooled our three youngest children. I used to blog about homeschooling and taught Oral Communication as an adjunct instructor for over 5 years.

Jen Dodrill Writes is born of a passion of mine – to write a novel! When I’m not working, you’ll find me writing, spending time with my family, or curled up on the couch reading and drinking a mug of dark roast coffee. (Don’t forget to check out my mug shop – JDMugs!)