The term is "seat of the pants". This expression in the literary world refers to those of us who don't outline, storyboard, and/or highly organize our novel writing. We sit down at the computer, with a laptop, or with a pad and pen and construct stories. How those stories arrive in our brains and translate to our various devices depends on who you talk to about it.
A thought, a picture, a dream, a song, a character, or even a place can be the impetus for creation. How individuals react to creating presents all kinds of methods. My stories generally start with a character, although the character can be inspired by a thought, picture, song, etc.
The problem (for me) with being a "pants-er" is knowing very little about the plot. It literally unfolds simultaneously with the words appearing on the screen. This can get tricky. Sometimes it's more like reading a story than it is like writing one. I keep waiting for the next thing to happen.
I mentioned I'm writing something different for me. And I do not know where we're headed. I have a concept, but strange people keep interrupting and interfering and none of them are the ones I need them to be because it's too soon for that one specific person to come into play. I know: crazy. Right? Only pants-ers understand.
Once in awhile I think it would be easier to write another way. But then the story turns active, and I'm so glad it took on a life of its own. So glad I didn't have it figured out in advance.
How 'bout you?
Lord, I'm just grateful to write them. Please keep filling in those multiple blanks for me. Apart from you, I can do nothing. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
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