First a definition of what the two
mean to me:
Panster – one who writes by the seat of their pants. Their stories start with an enticing incident, set of characters or maybe just a location. Then the writer writes and discovers the plot along the way. A Panstser enjoys the thrill of the chase, the adventure and excitement of watching the story evolve before their eyes. I get excited just thinking about this one!
A few secrets I've unlocked for those times when the writing becomes a struggle:
* Walk away for awhile. A break, days or even weeks, can be the perfect solution to stir up those creative juices again.
*Write out a scene in long hand. That's right, using a pen or pencil and plain old paper can work wonders.
*Met up with other writers for some fun brainstorming. (my favorite!)
Okay, break time over! Now back to my own WIP. I’m dying to find out if the Nanny is hiding something. Is she working with the bad guys or has fate just dealt her a poor hand.
This is where I left off in the last scene:
“Well, Miss Cooper, I think you’ve answered all my questions for now. It’s been nice talking with you.” He stood, extending his hand to her. “I’ll be in touch within the next two days. I don’t foresee any problems, but I must check references. You understand.”
Panster – one who writes by the seat of their pants. Their stories start with an enticing incident, set of characters or maybe just a location. Then the writer writes and discovers the plot along the way. A Panstser enjoys the thrill of the chase, the adventure and excitement of watching the story evolve before their eyes. I get excited just thinking about this one!
Plotter– the organized writer. One
who has an outline, detailed character sketch, has done their research and knows
where their story is going. They focus on structure, planning and details.
Some may say being a pantser leads to frequent writer’s block or unnecessary ramblings as they try to figure out which way to take their story. I say, not for me. I’ve tried several times over the years to outline and plot. This has led me into the perilous pit of writer’s block every single time. I feel trapped inside a box and my muse refuses to work under these conditions.
Like all creative processes, there is no one right way to write. Experimenting is the best thing to do to see which way works best for you. I even have writer friends who combine the two. A little pantsing here and a little plotting there is the key that opens the creative vault for them.Some may say being a pantser leads to frequent writer’s block or unnecessary ramblings as they try to figure out which way to take their story. I say, not for me. I’ve tried several times over the years to outline and plot. This has led me into the perilous pit of writer’s block every single time. I feel trapped inside a box and my muse refuses to work under these conditions.
A few secrets I've unlocked for those times when the writing becomes a struggle:
* Walk away for awhile. A break, days or even weeks, can be the perfect solution to stir up those creative juices again.
*Write out a scene in long hand. That's right, using a pen or pencil and plain old paper can work wonders.
*Met up with other writers for some fun brainstorming. (my favorite!)
Okay, break time over! Now back to my own WIP. I’m dying to find out if the Nanny is hiding something. Is she working with the bad guys or has fate just dealt her a poor hand.
This is where I left off in the last scene:
“Well, Miss Cooper, I think you’ve answered all my questions for now. It’s been nice talking with you.” He stood, extending his hand to her. “I’ll be in touch within the next two days. I don’t foresee any problems, but I must check references. You understand.”
Of course,” she said, laying the folder
on the coffee table in front of them next to the untouched food, he’d offered
and she’d declined. “I would think less of you if you didn’t. Children are our
most precious gifts.” She met him eye-to-eye and smiled. “We must protect them.”
An eerie distant longing flickered in the depths of her dark eyes.
Odd, he thought. Not
only her reaction, but the color of her eyes at that moment. Darker now in the
sunlight filtering through the blinds. He’d never seen this shade of brown
before and it had him wondering about her heritage. Not that it mattered or something
he felt appropriate to ask about now that the interview was over, but he wanted
to know. People’s origins had always fascinated him. He made a mental note to find out where
she’d inherited these unusual eyes.
“I’ll check your references and get back
with you,” he said, nodding down at the folder. “Thanks again for your time.”
He led her back to the front door wondering why she hadn’t asked anymore questions
of her own. Like how many children she would be responsible for or what sex
they were. He filed it away under to-be-dealt-with-later.
The last thing he wanted was to ruin this moment of excitement over possibly
finding the perfect Nanny for Stephanie.
