Monday, February 25, 2013

Converting my Pantsing/Can I plot my pantsing?


          I’ve been a pantser in my writing career and I’m looking to convert myself to a hybrid version of that as I move forward in my writing career. A pantser is someone who writes by the seat of their pants, as the story builds in their imaginative mind. A storyline, or character, comes to mind and you simply run with it.
          The other side of the spectrum is the plotters. I admire those people because they can rough draft, outline and story board until the path is crystal clear to anyone stepping into the mix. These are the people that can pinpoint the arc of the story without even blinking. 
          I’m learning tools from some of these plotters as I advance in my writing. I learned enough three years ago to actually plot out three pages of info that would comprise a ten book paranormal series. This was something for me as I’d never been able to do that before. I’d even done a full outline of the first book, so I could use it as a diagram for my synopsis. 
          I was impressed with myself enough to think that my mind was capable of being a hybrid between the two, as I know that I’m not programmed to be a true plotter. I’ve tried to be a sponge as I absorbed facts from Maggie Montgomery and Robin Perini with white boards and scene development. I’m far from their skills, but I’m seeing things that I’d never thought to add to my collective process. That’s why conferences and critique groups are so important to me, because that’s where the wealth of knowledge is. At least, for me it is.
 

So, I’m going to research the following, so I can share these things with others:
 

Outlining the plot                                                   Arc details
Synopsis pointers                                                    Character development
Archetypal characters                                             Story boards

 
          Let’s see what I can find because anything that helps me is a win/win for my readers as I fight to ensnare you all.
 

)))Corset Hugs(((
Ginny Lynn
Wench Writer

4 comments:

  1. I'm a hybrid (more plotter than pantser, though), and I need to have at least a skeletal outline of where the story's going. If my characters decide to take control for a bit, I'm okay with that (and they're some of the best story deviations!), so long as they get to Point B eventually. Sometimes I can't figure out how to solve a problem, but by the time I get to that point, the characters have come up with a solution and simply let me know as I'm writing. It is possible. And you can do it!

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    1. Thanks, Noelle. I have no reason not to absorb some of the amazing talent that surrounds me at Georgia Romance Writers.

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  2. I was a pantser! But, not I'm also a hybrid! I plan a basic plot line then I run where ever it takes me!

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    1. Sian, I'm doing that with the WIP that I'm starting this week
      Thanks for your support.
      ))) corset hug (((

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