Plotting or Pantsing?

When writers get together to talk shop, one of the first questions they inevitably ask each other is: Are you a plotter or a pantser?

Of course, unless you have spent a season in Nanowrimo-land, these terms probably don’t mean much to you. A plotter is a writer who takes the time to plot out their next work in varying degrees of detail. A pantser literally writes by the seat of their pants. They may have a general idea of where the story is going, but they simply sit down and start writing, trusting that the words pouring out will combine into a cohesive whole.

I used to be a pantser. I was proud of the fact that I wrote “organically”, as a free spirit, following my muse.  In fact, Marissa’s Muse was mostly written this way.  I had an idea of where I was going, but each new page took me on a journey just as if I were a reader, discovering the plot as I went along. 90% of Marissa’s Muse was written several years ago, when I was in this mindset.

Today, I fall staunchly into the plotter’s camp. Maybe it is because my current work in progress (#WIP) is, at its heart, a mystery. Mysteries take planning–sorting out clues and suspects, alibis and red herrings. And then maybe it is my age. The older I get, the more I appreciate a well-laid plan. Whatever the reason, I am having a wonderful time plotting out my next story to birth into the world. With a lot of hard work it will be ready for you soon!