Plotter, Panster or Planster – What Type of Writer are You?

The writing process is deeply personal, and there’s more than one approach to telling a story. Below, I’ll explain three categories that many writers find they fall into or can resonate with on some level.

Plotters

Before putting pen to paper (or fingers to a keyboard), these writers prefer to plan! That means they outline the entire plot of a novel first, including how their story will begin and how it will end before they start writing. They know the main plot and each of the subplots that will complement it. They may compile in-depth notes on characters, world-building, settings and timelines. Virtual corkboards, post-it notes, creating tables or flowcharts, mood boards or simply jotting things down on the back of a napkin as their ideas emerge may be all part of a Plotter’s process. This information is then used as a reference point for when the writing stage begins.

What are the benefits?

Armed with a “road map” and a plan, getting the first draft of a novel completed is often faster than other approaches despite the time spent on initial planning. The writing phase is likely to be more straightforward and perhaps less painless. By that, I mean that there’s less chance of encountering plot holes, writing yourself into a corner, finding that something doesn’t quite work, or experiencing writer’s block because everything has been thought through carefully ahead of time.

This ability to outline also lends itself nicely to the demands of a series. On a larger scale, Plotters may establish in advance the story arcs for each book, the themes to be explored, the planned character growth as applicable, and what will be covered in each book. Again, this limits the chance of plot issues that might otherwise crop up.

Famous authors known to be Plotters: John Grisham, R.L. Stein, William Faulkner

Pansters

Based on the phrase “flying by the seat of your pants”, these writers start with an idea that inspires them and begin writing without too much planning, letting the story unfold organically. They enjoy the creative process of nutting out the story as they go.

What are the benefits?

The story can “breathe” and take on a life of its own as it’s not restricted to the confines of a plan. Writers have the flexibility and improvisation to explore new ideas that build from their original idea, investigating different avenues the story may take. Characters may end up driving the plot as their goals and motives become apparent. Pansters can have several drafts, the writing process taking them longer to complete a book than a Plotter, but they’re able to compare the drafts created and select the strongest version they’re happy with. While their final draft may end up vastly different to the original idea, it can sometimes result in a better book.

Famous authors known to be Pansters: Margaret Atwood, Steven King, Ernest Hemmingway

Plansters

These writers are a hybrid of the above two categories. They may have some of the story outlined in advance, but not every detail. For example, key plot points such as the hook, midpoint, climax and resolution are predetermined by the author while deciding to figure out what happens between these plot points as they write.

What are the benefits?

Writers in this category receive the best of both worlds. Flexibility for the story to go in an alternative direction if need be, but still some structure or a “skeleton” in place to work from so that the narrative doesn’t veer too far off course and still holds together properly.

It’s important to note there’s no right or wrong approach to penning a novel. It’s down to preference and what works best for you.