Why Pantsers Struggle with Outlines
What is a pantser? It is someone who writes without using an outline. Yet, it is not unstructured or undisciplined. However, some pantsers may wish to plot/outline but find that is a struggle. Many will assume it is because outlining stifles the creative process. That could be. But it also could be something else.
Today’s post is inspired by a ha-ha moment for me. Being that it’s Preptober (October being the month that many writers begin preparing for November writing to draft a 50,000-word novel in 30 days), I thought my pantser heart would once again attempt to outline my next WIP (work in progress). Anyone who knows me just doubled over with laughter. Yeah, I know. It’s hilarious. I’ve always considered plotting to be a four-letter word. But this time I thought it would be different. Here’s why.
Plotting doesn’t work for me—it never has. I applaud the people who are capable of doing this. Kudo to you. However, this has always been a “no dawg” for me. I thought it was because I write stream-of-consciousness-type writing. I sit and let the ideas flow, and my story goes where my thoughts lead me. But recently, I heard about a five-sentence outlining method that sounded cool. Not only that, it made sense in my wee little brain and, at least in theory, sounded like something I could do. Why? Because it’s about math, and math is concrete. Writing is creative, abstract, and imaginary (unless you’re writing nonfiction). I learned about this method from watching a Rebecca Thorne video on TikTok. However, she credits the video with using methods from several others. Now, I’m not going to try to break the method down as she did, but I’ll give a quick overview.
Basically, the five-sentence outlining method involves breaking down the three acts into five major plot points or story beats:
Inciting incidentBeginning the adventureMidpoint reversal/PivotPoint of no returnConclusion/ResolutionOne sentence is written for each beat. Simple enough, but it goes further. Each beat is broken down into percentages on where they approximately should begin in story. According to the method, the inciting incident should begin around the 5% point in the story. Beginning the adventure should be around the 25% point in the story. The midpoint reversal/pivot should happen around the 50% point. The point of no return should occur approximately at the 75% mark and the wrap-up around the 95% point. How a writer figures out where these points are by assigning a word goal to each story beat. Thus, in a 70,000-word story, the inciting incident should begin around 3,500 words. The point of no return would begin around 52,000 words in. I love this. There’s just one problem… story development.
Plotters are going to plot, and pantsers and going to…well, do what we do. Now, I can’t speak for all pantser because each writer has a different writing process. However, I feel that I’m not the only pantser who has experienced this issue when attempting to plot. And since it has taken me this long to identify the root, I figure I’m not the only person with that issue, either. That’s why I’m sharing what I discovered.
First, I’m not a person to use word count as a goal. A story is finished when it’s told completely. If I do it in 10,000 words, then it’s a 10,000-word story. If it takes 50,000 words, then it’s a 50,000-word novel. I do not limit myself by restricting my word count. Now, I tend to be an over-writer, meaning I’ll end up cutting a lot during editing. More specifically, I’m not cutting but refining words to make better word choices and rearranging scenes for flow and continuity. One can see where this would be problematic using this method. Yet, that isn’t the biggest issue.
When I sat to try this technique, I discovered the heart of my outlining problem. I’m a character-developing writer and not a concept, or rather, not a plot concept. Let me explain. My ideas for stories generally begin with the idea of a character and not the idea of a plot or a concept. I begin by writing scenes that develop the character. As write, I begin to formulate who this character is (e.g., what he/she would do, say, look like, etc.,). Eventually, that will evolve into a scene, but the scene may have no context or direction. It’s an isolated event that I expand upon. So, when I begin, I may not know any of the story beats, and to figure them out is like writing in reverse for me. I become lost and my mind goes blank.
For someone who writes in this manner but wishes to use the five-sentence technique, the key will be figuring out how to quickly formulate the plot from the beginning. As a pantser, I’m going to go ahead and put it out there that it’s easier said than done.
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If Brokeback Mountain, 8 Seconds, Poltergeist, and Supernatural had an orgy, Demon Rodeo would be the lovechild.
Demon Rodeo is available now on Amazon. For video book trailers, visit my TikTok page. The full blurb is on my Instagram and Amazon.
Demon Rodeo is the first book in the Chasing the Buckle series but can be read as a standalone. It’s a friends-to-lovers romance set in the rodeo world. These are not your typical cowboys. It’s a widely diverse cast of characters and a mashup of genres that aren’t always seen together. If you’re looking for a palate cleanser, this may be a book for you.
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Until next time, happy reading and much romance. Laissez le bon temps rouler.
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Out of the Penalty Box (book #1) One minute in the box or a lifetime out. Defending the Net (book #2) Crossing the line could cost the game. Ice Gladiators (book #3) When the gloves come off, the games begin. Penalty Kill (book #4) Let the pucker begin. Future Goals (book #5) The future lies between a puck and a net.About the Author:
Hi, I’m Genevive, and I am a contemporary sports romance author. My home is in South Louisiana. If you like snark and giggles with a touch of steamy Cajun and Creole on the side, I may have your poison in my stash of books. Drop by the bayou and have a look around. The pirogues are always waiting for new visitors.
