Plotter or Pantser

Plotter or Pantser. Those are the two terms authors often use to describe their method of writing.

The plotter (as you might guess!) takes the time to detail out the finer points of the story before beginning to write.

The pantser, on the other hand, doesn’t spend a whole lot of time (if any) on thinking through the story before starting it. She flies by the seat of her pants (hence, where we get the term pantser).

When I first started writing, I was a mixture of the two. I did a little bit of plotting. But I left the bulk of the story to develop once I got into it. Over the years, I’ve become even more of a pantser. I like to say that I give my creativity full reign as the story develops, letting everything unfold organically.

Last week, I had the special privilege of watching die-hard plotting in action. And I was truly amazed at the process—so different from mine, but utterly fascinating! I flew to Minneapolis to spend a week with the three lovely authors who will be writing with me to continue my Bride Ship series. The four of us met with Sunrise Publishing founders and editors, Susan May Warren and Lindsay Harrel, and we brainstormed for Bride Ships: New Voyages.

Left to right: Rebecca, Patti, Susie, Susan, ME, and Lindsay

When I say brainstormed, I mean we fried our brains in HOURS of debating, developing, and delving deeply into the story. One book per day. About ten hours each. We used Susan May Warren’s Story Equation for shaping both the hero and heroine as well as mapping out the book scene by scene.

As a pantser, I was slightly overwhelmed by the process. But as I watched Susie and Lindsay dive in and tackle each aspect of the story with precision and creativity, I grew to respect their process and was able to participate. I admit, it was even fun—especially the times when Susie really got into the story and practically acted it out. It was entertaining, to say the least, and we had some good laughs.

All that to say, I developed a new respect for plotters! And I’m SUPER pleased with the three new bride ships stories. Their characters already feel real and likeable. The plots are unique, exciting, and sizzling with romance! And we’re more than ready to start writing.

I hope you’ll be more than ready to read them. Keep on the lookout over the coming months for more information on titles and cover reveals. In the meantime, make sure you follow my three bride-ship authors so that you can keep up-to-date on all their doings: Susan Jane Anderson, Rebecca Reed, and Patti Stockdale. We had such a lovely time together, and I couldn’t ask to write with three sweeter and hardworking women.

Your turn! For the writers out there—what is your method in the madness? Are you a plotter or pantser? For readers, are you ready for more bride ship books?!