At my first RWA Nationals in Orlando after completing my first manuscript, people asked me “Are you a plotter or a pantser?” I had no idea what that meant. I went with plotter because I know what a plot to the story is. There has to be a logical flow to the story. A high, a dark moment, etc. That was my answer.
And with the program I use I totally get to break down my idea into chapters. I write a one sentence chapter plot. I totally have 30 sentences at the end.
But then my favorite part of writing begins. I stare at the blank page. No filter. No spell check. Nothing. Just that white screen. As long as I’ve fleshed out in my head what I want to paint, I’m good to go. Unleashed frenzied words fill the pages. I hit my word count. Hurrah.
Everything can be fixed, but when it’s time to write, it’s time to write. I love the white screen. It’s emptiness that can be filled with whatever I see.
Every writer is different. Other pantsers will write a scene for later then hop around. I can’t do that. It’s cheating, like when I skip to the back of the book. But I can dialogue/action tag my way through plot to that scene. It might take me a while to get there. Then I get to paint that scene. I can go back later to fill in the details.
I wish life would let me fill in the details later to get to the good parts faster sometimes. In memories we only look back at the highlights. Why doesn’t that work looking forward? To me it should, but then I guess one never knows what’s around the corner next.
Okay back to my frenzied story. I really just finished what I wanted to get to and need to go backwards now. Some of the moments to get there need ALOT of TLC on my end. Time to let the imagination take the reins again.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do plotters use chapter outlines before writing a first draft?
Some plotters write a single sentence summarizing each chapter, resulting in roughly 30 sentences that map the entire story before drafting begins. This light structure captures the logical flow — including high points and dark moments — without restricting creativity. Once the outline is done, the writer stares at a blank page and writes freely, knowing the destination but letting the words pour out unfiltered.
What does it mean to be a plotter vs a pantser in writing?
A plotter plans story structure in advance, mapping out chapters and key plot beats before drafting. A pantser writes by the seat of their pants, often jumping between scenes without a set plan. Some writers blend both approaches — outlining loosely at the chapter level but writing each scene freely and without filters once they sit down at the blank page.
Should I write scenes out of order or write my story straight through?
Writing style is personal, but some authors find writing scenes out of order feels like ‘cheating’ and prefer to write straight through from beginning to end. Instead of jumping ahead, they use dialogue and action to navigate toward a desired scene organically. Details can be filled in later during revision, allowing the initial draft to focus on momentum and reaching key story moments.
