After asking someone what genre they are writing in, the next very common question writers have for each other is about whether they are a plotter or a pantser.

   A plotter of course, will have the whole book planned out, chapter by chapter, beat by beat, with scenes described and story arcs clearly defined. They know where they are       going, and how to get there.

   A pantser on the other hand will have a story idea and how to start it, what the journey might involve and then how it will end. And that’s it. So when they sit down at the         keyboard, they just let the story flow without concerning themselves with the details on how to get there.

   So what are the advantages to these two approaches?

   On a personal level, I’m a pantser, but I think there are many advantages to being a plotter. I haven’t tested this theory, but I’ve always thought a plotter would be less likely       to  suffer from writer’s block because they already know what the next chapter will bring and what they need to achieve. And it must be very satisfying to know what you’re   writing next, almost to the point of looking forward to each scene coming to fruition as you’ve pictured it.

   On the other hand, looking at the various methods out there for helping people to plot, it’s almost enough to stifle my desire to write, knowing I have to do the ‘homework’   first. And there is so much advice out there! I also really enjoy it when my characters take a scene off in a different direction. It’s fun and can really add a depth I perhaps   hadn’t anticipated. I’m not sure I would allow myself that fluidity if I knew exactly what the chapter or scene was supposed to be covering – I’d be more focussed on sticking to   the plan, I think.

  So, what about you? Plotter or Pantser? Drop me a comment.