Changing Style? Back to Blog
When I talk about my writing, people often ask me about my plotting style. Specifically, folks like to know if I outline my book in advance or if I’m a pantster–developing the plot as I write, kinda by the seat of my pants.
Once upon a time, I was purely a pantster. For my first two novels and my first four (I think) novellas, I just sat and wrote the story. No pre-planning. I went where the story took me. Then, things started to change a bit.
I started to write out the first chapters of a story, then I would stop and plot the rest of the manuscript. I generally did this on my full-length stories.
But I’d still pants on my novellas.
I started a new novel a few weeks ago. Started it with the glimmer of an idea and I figured, heck, deadline is a while away–I’ll pants this one and see where the characters take me.
First three chapters–easy breezy.
But then, I wrote a scene. Didn’t like where it took me. Deleted it. (I hate deleting my writing. And I actually don’t delete it completely; I always save it as a “cut” scene–maybe I’ll release ’em on my website one day.) After the delete, I realized I really, really wanted an outline to look at–I wanted one bad. But I had a trip to Georgia scheduled, for the Moonlight and Magnolias conference, so I knew the plotting would have to wait.
Um, it didn’t wait long. That Friday, I stayed awake and plotted out the first 200 pages of the book. 🙂
Last night, I finished on page 201 of the story. Now I have two options: plot or pantster it. Guess which one I’m leaning toward?
I know some other writers like to drop by and chat…so tell me, ladies, am I the only one with a changing writing style? Or has this happened to you, too?
I like to think that my writing adapts and changes with each book, but the plotting style, this is a big one for me. Hmmm…maybe my obsessive nature is just taking over!
And, in other news…stay tuned to this blog! I’m going to be giving away copies of MIDNIGHT SINS soon–and I’ll be launching a very big contest. The contest should go live on November 1st, so have your Halloween fun, and then gear up for a little bit of sin.
Tweet It
Just my opinion, but I think the majority of writers change their writing style. Some as they grow as a writer, others by book, others because they ‘think’ they need too. At least this seems to be the case for the writers I’ve talked to and of course myself J Even though I’ve not sold anything (yet). I have finished several manuscripts and at first each one was a little different writing wise. I wrote one all the way through, linear, total pantster. I wrote one out of order but by the seat of my pants, I tried plotting one from the start and quit, tossed the outline away and pants it, and so on and so forth. I had a pretty long writing break, but when I started back writing I mostly wanted to focus on not getting overwhelmed or consumed by it (which seems so easy to me) even though I have been more focused and determined.
I started writing in the same pantster way, but after the first novella I finished I realized the second draft/polish would be so much easier if I’d had a just a bit more direction in the first draft. I always have an opening, it’s usually where my idea starts, so I tend to write 50-60 pages and stop for a day or two or sometimes a week or two. And I brew over the story, time line, etc. The past few mss I’ve written I have done this way. Some where between 50-100 pages I find I need more direction, which is usually just a few notes in longhand or at the top of the wip. I brainstorm what needs to happen and when and go from there. It’s not really a plot or an outline but it gives me more direction than the seat of my pants J
So which way are you leaning? Pants or Plotting?
I find it fascinating how authors write, if there is a formula or do they just sit and write. *G* Thanks!
Releasing cut scenes is an AWESOME idea! Do it do it! PEER PRESSURE! 😛
I tried pantsing ONE time. In my entire history of writing…and holy crap I still haven’t untangled that mess. That book will never see the light of day. Evar.
I think I’ve always been an outliner because when I was 12 my mother got me a book called: “Guide to Fiction Writing” by: Phylis A. Whitney and the book was basically a roadmap for creating the most detailed novel planning notebook you’ve ever seen.
So I’m 14, running around with novel planning notebooks. It’s quite sad now that I sit and reflect on it, lol.
Every book is different for me. I plotted the beginning of my wip, but now I’m kind of floundering. I have plot points and will see how it works.
On Nov. 1st I’ll be at a Margie Lawson workshop in Milwaukee. It’s going to be great fun. I’ll probably catch your blog on Nov. 2nd. 🙂
Hey Cindy, I’m a “seat of the britches” gal! 😆 This WIP, though, I find that I’m holding three chapters and something isn’t right. Frankly, I think it’s one of characters. She’s too big for this story, and I think she’ll want one of her own. Not sure I’m up to the fight. We’ll see…
Rhonda, I loved your comment–I think we all change, adapt–sometimes, depending on the very needs of the story. And which way am I going for the end? Currently, I have the next scene planned, but I’m going to break down soon and plot the rest. Have to.
Hey, Brandy! Oh, I wish there was a formula!
Peer pressure! Ah, Zoe, I think you might have just convinced me!
Have fun at the workshop, Edie! I’ll be sure to check out your blog for workshop highlights.
Hi, LaDonna! Seat of the britches, huh? LOL. Good luck with your characters–and let me know if she gets that story of her own.
hi
2jgzy3sryl8saq8m
good luck
hi
2jgzy3sryl8saq8m
good luck