To
Plot or Not to Plot
There
is a war going on. A battle across the world… and in the minds of
many authors.
Plotter
vs. Pantser
Definitions:
Plotter
– someone who outlines, makes notes, plans before writing a
sentence of their story.
Pantser
– someone who writes either part or all of a story without prior
outlining, plotting, etc.
Which
are you?
Each
type has pros and cons. I’m a pantser, and if I ever plot, it’s
only character arcs, not story arcs or outlines. Why?
Here’s
one time experience as a plotter:
After
writing over a dozen stories and having half a dozen in various
stages, I thought perhaps if I plotted, the stories would be easier
and quicker to write. So I created an outline, a chapter outline, and
completed various character sketches, etc. But after writing the
first chapter, I wanted to smack my head on my keyboard.
I
deviated from the outline so much and for the better, that it was as
if I wrote a completely different book. For example, I had the
heroine leaving the archeological site in Turkey around chapter two.
However, when I wrote chapter one, I realized, why am I flying her
back to the states so soon? The story is set in this wonderful,
exotic country and I’m having her hop back on a plane? No.
For
me, plotting didn’t work. I may try a combo-method where I would do
character arc, mindmapping, etc. Write the story, then either if I
reach a sagging middle, follow up with more of the plotting
techniques—but have flexibility.
In
contrast, my friend and a fellow author who plots everything. Before
she writes a word, she even has breakdowns of each chapter. Reading
through her outlines, she can spot plot holes, sagging middles, etc.
She fixes them and then writes.
I
say do whatever works for you and your writing.
Here
are some websites for pantsers and plotters:
Andrea
R. Cooper’s Bio:
Andrea
has always created characters and stories. But it wasn't until she
was in her late twenties that she started writing novels.
What
happened that ignited the writing flame in her fingers? Divorced, and
disillusioned by love songs and stories. They exaggerate. She
thought. Love and Romance are not like that in the real world. Then
she met her husband and realized, yes love and romance are exactly
like the songs and stories say. She is now a happy wife, and a mom to
three kids (two boys and a girl).
Andrea
writes fantasy, paranormal, historical, and contemporary romance
suspense. When not writing or reading, one may find Andrea dancing in
Zumba.
She
believes in the power of change and counting each moment as a
blessing. But most importantly, she believes in love.
Her
latest novel is Stolen Hearts Book 1 : Romantic Suspense
Crystal
has spent her entire life training to be a thief in order to find
evidence against the man who had her parents murdered. In her pursuit
of justice she's had to give up her identity, her name, and any
chance at love. When Crystal is forced on a blind date with the cop
who is investigating her, she plays a dangerous game of hearts that
could land her in a prison cell.
Kade is in search of a new life, after losing his partner. He's taken a new job, in a new city, and met a new girl. In order to keep his fresh start, he will have to catch an elusive thief targeting one of the largest corporations in the country. Desperate to forget the failures of his past, Kade has no intention of failing.
But secrets can’t be hidden forever.
Kade is in search of a new life, after losing his partner. He's taken a new job, in a new city, and met a new girl. In order to keep his fresh start, he will have to catch an elusive thief targeting one of the largest corporations in the country. Desperate to forget the failures of his past, Kade has no intention of failing.
But secrets can’t be hidden forever.
Barnes
and Nobel Buy Link:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/stolen-hearts-andrea-r-cooper/1121726442?ean=2940151583961
Pinterest:
http://www.pinterest.com/andrearcooper/
Morning all! Andrea - this is a great post! And, of course, your book sounds wonderful
ReplyDeletePenny,
ReplyDeleteThank you for having me.