Bill Conrad's Blog - Posts Tagged "plotting"
Pantsing Versus Plotting
I am not afraid to admit that I do not know everything. In fact, in many areas, I have zero knowledge. Quantum Mechanics? I would not even know where to start. Elephant anatomy? Umm… That’s a mammal. Did I get that right? Yet, in some areas, I do humbly admit that my knowledge base is proficient, and I even claim to be an expert in narrow electrical engineering topics.
I decided to start writing books in 2016, and have learned a great deal along the way, but like all fields, there is always more. Still, I was a little shocked to discover a new writing term, “pantsing.” It means writing by the seat of your pants, sometimes called “discovery writing.” Take an idea and begin! Write a story about a blue pony or a one-armed boxer. How about a romance set in 1800? All a writer needs is a pencil and paper.
While a new term, I have tried pantsing and failed miserably. The one-armed boxer entered the boxing ring and… Had a cup of tea? Yeah, I have nothing. This is because I do not have the mental skillset to begin writing suddenly. Instead, my preferred method is called plotting, which means working long hours to expand an initial idea. My first book took over ten years of mental effort, and I have since streamlined this process to six months of “noodling” and a year of outline work to firm up a plot to the point where I feel confident to write.
What is the advantage of pantsing? It is fun, easy, rewarding, and raw. The raw part is the big difference from the reader’s perspective. But I need to take a step back. How on earth would I know the first thing about pantsing? It turns out that I have a secret weapon. Five years ago, I (online) met a fellow author who pantsed all her books. We often speak about her development process, plots, and writing ability.
And the result? Fantastic! I have read all her books cover to cover. They contain outstanding plots, bold characters, and detailed dialogue. But… What about story structure and all those fancy literary ingredients? Her stories do not fit the traditional mold, but that does not detract from their quality.
What are the standard structures? Many include rags to riches, buddy comedy, three/five-act play, or forbidden love. My friend’s stories have events surrounding the central characters. Yet, she is a talented writer, and her books have a distinct beginning, middle, and end.
https://www.amazon.com/stores/Emily-R...
One could argue that her lack of structure upsets some readers, but I would argue that our daily lives do not have structure. When I wake up, I kind of have a plan for my day, but random events shake things up.
For example, last week in my quiet neighborhood, an unstable homeowner threatened a gardener who called the police. That event was the first story in the evening news, and I certainly could not have anticipated it. Readers relate to real-life events because they occur daily, meaning our lives do not follow the classic five-act play.
Still, I wish I could pants up a story. Let me tell you what my blue pony got up to today… Oh well, that’s life. Everybody gets something unique, and I missed riding the pantsing train.
You’re the best -Bill
May 21, 2025
I decided to start writing books in 2016, and have learned a great deal along the way, but like all fields, there is always more. Still, I was a little shocked to discover a new writing term, “pantsing.” It means writing by the seat of your pants, sometimes called “discovery writing.” Take an idea and begin! Write a story about a blue pony or a one-armed boxer. How about a romance set in 1800? All a writer needs is a pencil and paper.
While a new term, I have tried pantsing and failed miserably. The one-armed boxer entered the boxing ring and… Had a cup of tea? Yeah, I have nothing. This is because I do not have the mental skillset to begin writing suddenly. Instead, my preferred method is called plotting, which means working long hours to expand an initial idea. My first book took over ten years of mental effort, and I have since streamlined this process to six months of “noodling” and a year of outline work to firm up a plot to the point where I feel confident to write.
What is the advantage of pantsing? It is fun, easy, rewarding, and raw. The raw part is the big difference from the reader’s perspective. But I need to take a step back. How on earth would I know the first thing about pantsing? It turns out that I have a secret weapon. Five years ago, I (online) met a fellow author who pantsed all her books. We often speak about her development process, plots, and writing ability.
And the result? Fantastic! I have read all her books cover to cover. They contain outstanding plots, bold characters, and detailed dialogue. But… What about story structure and all those fancy literary ingredients? Her stories do not fit the traditional mold, but that does not detract from their quality.
What are the standard structures? Many include rags to riches, buddy comedy, three/five-act play, or forbidden love. My friend’s stories have events surrounding the central characters. Yet, she is a talented writer, and her books have a distinct beginning, middle, and end.
https://www.amazon.com/stores/Emily-R...
One could argue that her lack of structure upsets some readers, but I would argue that our daily lives do not have structure. When I wake up, I kind of have a plan for my day, but random events shake things up.
For example, last week in my quiet neighborhood, an unstable homeowner threatened a gardener who called the police. That event was the first story in the evening news, and I certainly could not have anticipated it. Readers relate to real-life events because they occur daily, meaning our lives do not follow the classic five-act play.
Still, I wish I could pants up a story. Let me tell you what my blue pony got up to today… Oh well, that’s life. Everybody gets something unique, and I missed riding the pantsing train.
You’re the best -Bill
May 21, 2025
