How I Switched from Pantsing to Plotting – Preparing for NaNoWriMo

[image error]Until recently, I’ve been a pantser.  That is, I write without using an outline.  My favorite writer, Stephen King, does this, so I figured it was the only way to write.  While pantsing does make my writing more spontaneous, I wanted to write faster.  Especially since I’m planning on a sequel to Thunder Point and I have all of these loose ideas floating around.  Honestly, my head feels like a Pinterest board!

While hanging out on my favorite writers’ forum, I came across a website called Helping Writers Become Authors.  What a goldmine of information!  The author, K.M. Weiland, has step-by-step instructions on the best way to plot a novel.  In less than two weeks, I’ve learned so much and have gotten a huge start on my novel.  (Well…I have everything but a title…)

I also invested in Scrivener, a word processor made especially for writers.  It’s been immensely helpful in creating characters, plotting scenes, designing settings…the whole nine yards.

In essence, I’ve become a true plotting convert.  For the past two weeks, I’ve done nothing but plot Thunder Point’s sequel, and by NaNoWriMo, I’ll be ready to write it.  I’m really hoping to write that entire novel in November.  (Which will be a little challenging due to Thanksgiving, but I’m giving it a shot anyway.)  And I would be one happy camper to have Thunder Point 2 out in January of next year.

Stay tuned!