25: Plotting vs Pantsing

I’m in a transition period with my manuscripts. The Dreamweaver Book 1 is complete to a point, and I’m sitting on it until I have enough money to pay my developmental editor for her expertise. The Dreamweaver Book 2 has a “completed” eleven page outline, split up into acts and plot points. I suppose now is the time to really get to work on the draft, which I started last month. Of course that is why I am currently blogging.

I have reluctantly come to grips with the importance of plotting. It keeps my brain from hopping off the rails, especially when my current work is so quirky. Don’t get me wrong, I love the invigoration of pantsing a piece. I suppose I’m more of a plantser, the hybrid form of a writer. I read over my outline for Book 1 and had to laugh at the differences between it and the actual story. After listening to dozens of author interviews, I’m certain that plotting vs pantsing really comes down to personal preference AND expertise. Veteran published authors probably do not need to spend weeks plotting, just like I don’t need hours and hours of planning to implement great first grade lessons.

There were several fascinating ponderances during yesterday’s plotting session at my local coffee shop. First, I could see my protagonist’s arc through a macro lens. Jamie’s world is going to get rocked in Book 2, and I’m giddy about it; however, he will grow from his mistakes and be strengthened from his adversities. Second, plotting helped me notice several plot deviations from the first act I already drafted. I need to focus on the main conflict throughout the book—every scene matters. Finally, plotting helped me make a difficult decision regarding Jamie at the end of Act II. I doubt I would’ve come up with this devious idea if I pantsed it.

Cryptic post, isn’t it? No worries, it’s not cryptic to me anymore.