What is a pantser, and why might want to become one yourself

I’m sure you’ve all heard of plotters and pantsers. A plotter is a writer who carefully plans out their story before they start writing, while a pantser just sits down and starts writing without any prior planning. I originally believed myself to be a plotter, but after a few failed attempts at outlining and writing a novel, I realized that maybe I should try the pantser method instead. And you know what? It didn’t worked! What? Not the answer you were expecting right? Well, it turns out I needed a hybrid method. I found that when I just sat down and started writing, the story flowed much more smoothly, but ultimately I eventually always ended up in a dead end. Still, at least I was actually writing instead of outlining. And, it was a lot more fun! Regardless of whether you are a plotter through and through, a pantser, or some sort of hybrid like me you’ll benefit from learning how to write by the seat of your pants.

So if you’re struggling with your writing, why not give pantsing a try? You might be surprised at how well it works for you.

How to get started as a pantser today

Now let’s talk about how to get started as a pantser. The first step is to stop trying to plan everything out in advance. Allow yourself the freedom to explore your story and characters without worrying about where it will lead you. You don’t have to stick with whatever idea or direction you initially set out for yourself, so don’t be afraid of taking creative detours along the way.

The next step is to start writing! Don’t worry too much about grammar, spelling, or structure yet; just put words on paper and see what happens. As you write, be mindful of any interesting ideas that come up and try to incorporate them into your story. Also, keep a notebook handy at all times so you can jot down any additional ideas that come to mind.

Finally, don’t forget to have fun! Writing should be a creative and enjoyable process, not an arduous chore. Pantsing can be liberating and surprisingly productive; if you let yourself go with the flow, you may find that your story develops more quickly than you ever imagined. Who knows? You might even finish your novel sooner than you think!

The importance of outlining (even if you’re a pantser)

If you’re a pantser, the very idea of outlining may fill you with dread. After all, isn’t the point of pantsing to let the story take you where it will? The truth is, even pantsers create outlines; their first draft is just that “an outline!” While it’s true that outlines can seem constricting, they can actually be a helpful tool for keeping your story on track. Think of an outline as a set of guidelines rather than hard and fast rules. It can be helpful to start with a general overview of your story’s main beats before fleshing out the details. This can give you a sense of direction when you sit down to write, and it can also help you to identify any plot holes or inconsistencies. Of course, there’s no need to outline every single aspect of your story – but if you’re struggling to stay on course, it may be worth giving it a try.

The Hybrid Method: How pantsers can plot their novels without getting overwhelmed

Now that we’ve discussed how to get started as a pantser, let’s talk about the hybrid method. This method is great for writers who are comfortable with some amount of plotting but don’t want to be overwhelmed by the process. It involves using small amounts of outlining (such as chapter or scene lists, character sketches, or general brainstorming) to give structure and direction to your writing, while still allowing yourself the freedom to explore new ideas and directions.

When using this approach, it’s important to remember that you should never feel pressured into sticking with any particular outline or plan. Feel free to make changes along the way if something isn’t quite working or if you have a better idea. Keep in mind that you can always go back and revise your outlines later on if needed.

The hybrid approach is great for those who want the structure of plotting but don’t want to feel constrained by the process. So if you’re a pantser at heart, why not give it a try? You might be surprised at how quickly and effectively your story comes together! Perhaps it’s the missing element!

Tips for staying on track and keeping your story moving forward

It can be easy to get bogged down in the details when you’re writing a story, but it’s important to keep the plot moving forward. Here are a few tips to help you stay on track:

1. Set a goal for each writing session and stick to it. Whether it’s finishing a chapter or reaching a certain word count, having a specific goal will help you stay focused.

2. Take breaks when you need them, but don’t get too comfortable. It’s important to stay in the zone when you’re writing, so take breaks regularly, but make sure it’s not for too long!

3. Keep track of your ideas. As you’re writing, you’ll undoubtedly come up with ideas for other scenes or plot points. Jot them down so you don’t forget them, but don’t let yourself get sidetracked by thinking about them too much.

4. Read your work aloud. Utilizing this method is an excellent way to detect any mistakes, guarantee that your work progresses seamlessly, and remain laser-focused on the storyline.

5. Get feedback from beta readers or editors. They’ll be able to tell you what’s working and what isn’t, and they may have helpful suggestions for how to move your story forward.

Conclusion paragraph: Plotting and pantsing may seem like conflicting methods, but it’s possible to combine them in a way that works for you. Whether you’re a die-hard plotter or an avid pantser, the hybrid approach can help you stay organized and focused on your writing goals. By setting realistic goals, staying in the zone when writing, and getting feedback from beta readers, you’ll be able to keep your story moving forward. With these tips in mind, why not give the hybrid method a try? It just might be the missing element that takes your novel from good to great!