Are you a 'pantser' or a 'plotter'?

(Repost of an article by A. Vidal)

Hello friends,

Just so I'm clear, I am definitely a pantser.  Yes, folks, when I write, I fly by the seat of my pants.  Of course, I always take the time to develop and put down notes about my characters, their family history, ages, places of birth, etc...  But when it comes to the actual story and its twists and turns, I just let myself fly!

Hope you enjoy the article as much as I did.

Lise

“Pantsers and plotters” is a shorthand phrase used by writers to describe their process in creating a story.  Plotters are the ones who prepare an extensive outline, chapter by chapter, sometimes scene by scene, before beginning to write the story.  They have already worked out the plot, the twists, the climax and the conclusion before writing that first sentence.  Plotters are organized, efficient and highly productive people.

I’m not a plotter.

Pantsers, or those who fly by the seat of their pants, or, more elegantly, “fly into the mists” have an idea about a

Too true!

Actually, I often find myself needing to refer back to my notes because I've forgotten a character's name.

Or even worse, I realize I've changed the character's name halfway but never realized it.  That's when the 'Find & Replace' feature comes in handy!  

What do you think of it?

Would you like to have this cake and eat it too?!

Working hard...

Hello friends,

I've been working hard on my newest novel.  Sometimes it flows;  sometimes it stalls.  Today, ideas are flowing.  Let's hope this streak continues!  After all, it's not easy to come up with ways to kill off characters.  I'm really just a tender soul at heart!

Enjoy your day, wherever you are!

Lise

Don't you just love this table?

Happy Sunday!

It's a beautiful sunny day here in Lanark, Ontario Canada.  The snow is just about gone, but unfortunately, the weather channel is forecasting two to four centimeters of the white stuff tonight. Let's hope this is just a terrible mistake.  We need nice clear days in preparation of garden time!  I've got a few plants started in my mini greenhouse:  pickling cucumbers, tomatoes, lavender, strawberries and hot peppers.  Gives me hope that I'll soon be out there getting my hands dirty!

Lise

On the heels of yesterday's post...

More Writing Tips...

Dear readers,

I hope I'm not boring (or insulting) anyone by posting occasional writing tips.  I suppose that, as a writer, I do at times obsess about proper grammar, and my goal is to help, not hurt.  You may note, for example, that as a Canadian, I always use 'our' as opposed to 'or' in words such as behaviour, favourite, etc..  This has often given me pause as I work on my novels and wonder whether the

Reality can be an illusion...

Get yours now!