Samuel DenHartog's Blog: The Road to 1,440 - Posts Tagged "thoughts"
Plotters vs Pantsers
Writing is a deeply personal and creative process, and one of the most debated topics among authors is the choice between being a "Plotter" or a "Pantser." These terms, introduced to me by Jenny Elliot from The Owl Network, encapsulate two distinct approaches to storytelling—both of which have their strengths and challenges.
A Plotter is someone who meticulously outlines their story before writing. This method offers structure, clarity, and a roadmap to follow, which can be incredibly helpful, especially for new writers. As someone who uses outlines for most of my books, I can attest to their effectiveness. The time spent planning pays off when the writing flows smoothly, and it’s easier to maintain consistency and direction throughout the narrative. For beginning writers, I highly recommend outlining—it simplifies the process and reduces the likelihood of writer's block.
Even in my Nighty Night Tales series, where each chapter features a different story, I always start with a detailed outline. This helps me ensure that each tale stands out within the book and that as many stories as possible remain unique across the entire series, which now includes an impressive total of 225 tales.
On the other hand, Pantsers take a more spontaneous approach, crafting their stories as they go. There is an undeniable magic in this method. With no set boundaries, the story evolves naturally, often leading to unexpected twists and richer creativity. My "Forge Your Own Path" series is entirely written this way—by necessity, as the format thrives on improvisation and flexibility. Additionally, two of my personal favorites, Magic of Coal Mountain and The Faery Ring, were also written without an outline. Both books emerged from the process of imagining as I went, not knowing myself where the story would go when I started, and I believe that freedom allowed me to delve deeper into the imagination, resulting in two of my best works.
Even for a seasoned Plotter like me, the lines sometimes blur. Outlines provide guidance, but they’re not set in stone. There have been times when I’ve started writing, only to feel the story pulling me in a different direction. When this happens, I follow the call, and I encourage other writers to do the same. Flexibility is key—even the most detailed outline can benefit from moments of inspired deviation. In my recent book, Aniya Hawke: The Watchmaker's Paradox, I spent double the time I normally do developing the outline. About six chapters in, however, I felt the story pulling me in a new direction, which I followed, embracing a more spontaneous approach. It turned out excellent—I believe it’s the best one in that series so far.
Ultimately, there’s no right or wrong choice between Plotting and Pantsing. It’s about finding what works best for you and your story. If you’re just starting out, an outline can provide valuable structure. But don’t shy away from exploring the world of Pantsing—you might just stumble upon something extraordinary. Writing, after all, is as much about discovery as it is about discipline. I’ve read many Quora forum articles on this topic, not using the terms I just recently learned (and love), and while some argue one approach is better than the other, in the end, I think each writer needs to find what works for them.
May your imagination soar and your writing flow effortlessly,
Samuel DenHartog
A Plotter is someone who meticulously outlines their story before writing. This method offers structure, clarity, and a roadmap to follow, which can be incredibly helpful, especially for new writers. As someone who uses outlines for most of my books, I can attest to their effectiveness. The time spent planning pays off when the writing flows smoothly, and it’s easier to maintain consistency and direction throughout the narrative. For beginning writers, I highly recommend outlining—it simplifies the process and reduces the likelihood of writer's block.
Even in my Nighty Night Tales series, where each chapter features a different story, I always start with a detailed outline. This helps me ensure that each tale stands out within the book and that as many stories as possible remain unique across the entire series, which now includes an impressive total of 225 tales.
On the other hand, Pantsers take a more spontaneous approach, crafting their stories as they go. There is an undeniable magic in this method. With no set boundaries, the story evolves naturally, often leading to unexpected twists and richer creativity. My "Forge Your Own Path" series is entirely written this way—by necessity, as the format thrives on improvisation and flexibility. Additionally, two of my personal favorites, Magic of Coal Mountain and The Faery Ring, were also written without an outline. Both books emerged from the process of imagining as I went, not knowing myself where the story would go when I started, and I believe that freedom allowed me to delve deeper into the imagination, resulting in two of my best works.
Even for a seasoned Plotter like me, the lines sometimes blur. Outlines provide guidance, but they’re not set in stone. There have been times when I’ve started writing, only to feel the story pulling me in a different direction. When this happens, I follow the call, and I encourage other writers to do the same. Flexibility is key—even the most detailed outline can benefit from moments of inspired deviation. In my recent book, Aniya Hawke: The Watchmaker's Paradox, I spent double the time I normally do developing the outline. About six chapters in, however, I felt the story pulling me in a new direction, which I followed, embracing a more spontaneous approach. It turned out excellent—I believe it’s the best one in that series so far.
Ultimately, there’s no right or wrong choice between Plotting and Pantsing. It’s about finding what works best for you and your story. If you’re just starting out, an outline can provide valuable structure. But don’t shy away from exploring the world of Pantsing—you might just stumble upon something extraordinary. Writing, after all, is as much about discovery as it is about discipline. I’ve read many Quora forum articles on this topic, not using the terms I just recently learned (and love), and while some argue one approach is better than the other, in the end, I think each writer needs to find what works for them.
May your imagination soar and your writing flow effortlessly,
Samuel DenHartog
Timeless Wisdom for Modern Life in "Reflections on Confucius"
The wisdom of Confucius has endured for over two millennia, offering guidance on life, virtue, and the pursuit of knowledge. His words speak to the core of human experience, reminding us of the importance of learning, friendship, and self-cultivation. In my latest book, I’ve taken many of his most profound sayings and presented them in clear, modern language, followed by reflections that connect these teachings to the challenges and opportunities of today’s world.
This collection isn’t just a presentation of ancient philosophy—it’s an exploration of how these timeless ideas can help us navigate modern life. What does it mean to truly learn? How do we find peace when recognition is scarce? Why do meaningful friendships enrich our lives? Each passage offers both a glimpse into the mind of one of history’s greatest thinkers and a chance to reflect on how these lessons can shape our own journeys.
Readers will find not only the words of Confucius but also a deeper conversation about their meaning and relevance. Whether you’re new to his teachings or have studied them before, this book provides a fresh perspective on wisdom that has guided scholars, leaders, and seekers for generations. The insights within these pages are meant to be pondered, discussed, and applied to daily life.
If you’re looking for a book that offers both inspiration and practical wisdom, this one is for you. I hope it becomes a source of reflection and encouragement, a reminder that true understanding is not just about knowing but about living with purpose, integrity, and an open mind.
This collection isn’t just a presentation of ancient philosophy—it’s an exploration of how these timeless ideas can help us navigate modern life. What does it mean to truly learn? How do we find peace when recognition is scarce? Why do meaningful friendships enrich our lives? Each passage offers both a glimpse into the mind of one of history’s greatest thinkers and a chance to reflect on how these lessons can shape our own journeys.
Readers will find not only the words of Confucius but also a deeper conversation about their meaning and relevance. Whether you’re new to his teachings or have studied them before, this book provides a fresh perspective on wisdom that has guided scholars, leaders, and seekers for generations. The insights within these pages are meant to be pondered, discussed, and applied to daily life.
If you’re looking for a book that offers both inspiration and practical wisdom, this one is for you. I hope it becomes a source of reflection and encouragement, a reminder that true understanding is not just about knowing but about living with purpose, integrity, and an open mind.
Published on February 13, 2025 11:48
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Tags:
chinese, confucius, eadership, learning, love-of-learning, morals, philishopy, reflections, thoughts
The Road to 1,440
I'm Samuel DenHartog, and at 51, at the end of November of 2023, I've embarked on a remarkable journey as a writer. My diverse background in computer programming, video game development, and film prod
I'm Samuel DenHartog, and at 51, at the end of November of 2023, I've embarked on a remarkable journey as a writer. My diverse background in computer programming, video game development, and film production has given me a unique perspective on storytelling. Writing has become my greatest passion, and I'm aiming high - I hope to write 1,440 books over the next 12 years, crafting 10 books a month for the next 12 years to secure a Guinness World Record.
My refusal to adhere to any particular formula sets my writing apart. Each book is a unique creation, a testament to my boundless creativity. I write across various genres, ensuring every book embarks on a distinct literary journey filled with surprises and fresh perspectives.
My joy in writing is evident in every word. I relish the creative process and cherish the opportunity to craft stories that captivate and inspire readers. I hope that readers across the globe will find my books as enjoyable to read as they are for me to write. ...more
My refusal to adhere to any particular formula sets my writing apart. Each book is a unique creation, a testament to my boundless creativity. I write across various genres, ensuring every book embarks on a distinct literary journey filled with surprises and fresh perspectives.
My joy in writing is evident in every word. I relish the creative process and cherish the opportunity to craft stories that captivate and inspire readers. I hope that readers across the globe will find my books as enjoyable to read as they are for me to write. ...more
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