When it comes to writing, I’ve always identified myself as a chronic pantser. I love nothing more than starting out with just the barest glimmer of an idea and discovering the plot as I write. In the past, this method has served me pretty well. I’ve written over a dozen books this way. But I’ve found more recently that my love of blindly pantsing my way through drafts is giving way to a new appreciation of outlining and planning ahead, much to my own surprise. Planning has been so contrary to my usual method of writing that it almost feels like an about face in my process. But planning brings guidance, and looking ahead allows me to write a much stronger draft, something I very much appreciate.
I wrote a post not long ago about my editing process and how I’ve started outlining my edits to help me nail the structure and cohesion of the plotlines. If you missed that post, you can find it HERE. But more recently I’ve found myself writing more outlines for my first drafts as well. Maybe part of this new direction comes from the fact that I’m trying to write some sequels at the moment, and, as many, many writers will tell you, writing a good sequel is hard. This is a process that is made an awful lot harder when you’re trying to fly by the seat of your pants at the same time, let me tell you. Having an outline helps me craft these stories so I’m not taking the plot in a direction contrary to what I’ve written before, and that delivers on promises or plot threads I’ve set up before. Sequels are a lot more involved than first books or standalones, at least in my experience.
Despite my initial hatred of outlines, I do also love the fact that the books I’ve taken the time to do even a little advanced planning for have usually turned out to be much stronger, more cohesive books, even as first drafts. I’ve been so used to having to completely overhaul the entire plot in the next three or four drafts that having a first draft with a plot that’s already pretty solid is cutting out several major steps in the process. Plus it allows me to foreshadow better, weave in sub-plots more naturally, and avoid major plot holes. Pantsing is not the best method of working in secrets, reveals, or huge plot twists. It’s hard to give those the grounding you need when you don’t know they’re necessary until the moment you need that reveal.
The other thing I love about having an outline is that I always know what I’m writing next, whether inspiration has struck or not. There’s no need to feel inspired when the next step in the plot is already laid out for you. And it’s much more motivating to write when I can see at a glance what’s supposed to come next. As an occasionally rather lazy writer, having an outline makes it easier for me to get myself to write, because it removes a lot of the brainwork from the equation. It’s like hacking my little absentminded, easily distracted brain.
Outlining might not work for everyone, but it’s certainly becoming a powerful tool in my writing arsenal. I think I will always love being a pantser best. there is nothing to quite beat the rush of figuring out a story as you type, seeing it take shape for the first time as you’re writing the words. But as a writer who is always looking to improve and to make my writing process more efficient and effective, learning to write outlines is making a huge difference to the quality of work that I’m producing. My writing process has changed dramatically since I first started writing, and I have no doubt it will change again in the future. And that’s one of the wonderful things about being a writer. You’re always changing, always growing, always learning new ways of doing things, finding better ways to write the best book yous can. And that is amazing.
Outlining is something I’m working into my writing process now, but I’d love to hear from you. What’s something you’ve added to your writing process? Do you outline? have you found yourself shifting from pantser to plotter, or the other way around? What changes have you made to your writing process since you first started? Let’s chat in the comments down below!
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Want more from me? Check out my debut novel ‘The Crystal Tree’, a YA fantasy adventure about sisters, magic, and sacrifices.
“Should you spend hours out of your days and weeks to read it? Absolutely. It’s comfortable, familiar, like that favorite blanket you always use in the wintertime when you snuggle up with a cup of hot cocoa or tea and read a good book.” Will Cloud
