ARE YOU A PLOTTER OR A PANTSER?

When I was first asked that question, I responded, “Whaaat?” I’d never heard those terms before. Maybe you haven’t either.

When referring to writers, plotters are those who plan out their novel before writing it, such as with an outline. Pantsers are those who fly by the seat of their pants. Most people, of course, are Plantsers meaning they do both but probably lean more one way than the other.

Plotters know where they’re going so they’re less likely to get caught in writer’s block, whereas Pantsers have the freedom to take their novel anywhere, but, of course, they risk getting stuck. I haven’t counted, but the experts say that among published writers, about half are plotters, and about half are pantsers. In other words, there’s no right way.

If you know me, then you know I’m a plotter because I do everything else that way too. I go to the store with a list, and before going to bed, I write a to-do list for the next day. In fact, I’ve never winged anything. Well, that’s almost true.

Still, no matter which you are, it can be worthwhile to try out a different approach just to see what comes out. As I’ve gotten more experienced as a writer, I’ve dared to be more spontaneous. The result is my fifth Miriam bat Isaac novel, THE DEADLIEST THIEF, my first opportunity to be a Plantser. When I started—with my outline, of course—I knew who the thief was, but little did I know there’d come to be another more deadly and definitely unexpected. In short, a better story. THE DEADLIEST THIEF is coming soon. Click here to learn more.