Oh, that magic.

 

I’ve gone from a panster to a plotter during the re-write of this novel. This novel is complex, lots of plot points, so much to keep track of with the multiple POVs, I had no choice.

I forgot that I’m a panster at heart. So, when a problem arose I played with it for days by sitting and thinking, writing down notes, asking myself questions, and when a solution arose I began to work it into the problematic scene. While I was writing, something new and unforseen unfolded: the perfect event, the perfect solution to my dilemma. I was thrilled. And I was reminded of the magic of writing, of not seeing where I’m going, of letting the words flow of their own accord and watching stories take shape before me.

I’d forgotten all about that magic because I’d been so intensely plotting and fixing and tweaking. But there’s no way that this particular twist was going to present itself to me, it waited for me to let my subconscious work and then came out.

Sometimes it’s best to just sit down and write and let the story tell itself. Sometimes, all the planning in the world just isn’t going to help.

I suppose the trick is learning when what’s needed: careful thought, or free flow.

Do you move back and forth between the two worlds of panster and plotter?

 

Doing it backwards

I’m a panster. I sit, disappear into my world, and let it appear as words on paper.

I will outline, plot, and characterize only after a first draft is all written–at least that’s how I’ve done it to date.

Then I’ll repeat the process, as I start to guide the story. I have done this cycle a few times now, fixing holes, patching up, and my first half is out with readers for critique. For me this means I’m going back to the beginning. Beginnings are very hard for me. I don’t see them, I never know where the story begins until my work is near completion. Normally, I write the beginning last.

That’s what I’m doing now, writing my opening chapters. And I am going about it as a plotter. I know what traits of my heroine I want the reader to see, and what events will display them. I have a list of info that needs to be delivered, but I’m still working out the exact order of it, which means my outline is still fluid, and needs to solidified so that I no longer what to rearrange.

I’m a panster gone plotter. It’s a difficult process for me in some ways, but necessary for the precision I require right now. And it’s fun–most of the time!! The best of it is seeing my creation become more complete.

If you are a plotter have you ever gone panster, and vice-versa? And if so, how was the experience?