Into the Fire

Passionate thoughts about the world of writing and the Power of God

 

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.

Posted in

5 responses to “Being a “pants-er” . . .”

  1. Brenda Anderson Avatar

    While being a plotter would have its advantages, I love being a pantser. I love not knowing all the paths my characters are going to take. I love the surprises. It is like reading a book for the first time.
    Someone once said that for pantsers the first draft is the story outline. That’s true for me. My first draft is often lean, then I fatten it up on subsequent edits.
    I usually head into a story knowing how I want it to end, I just don’t know how I’m going to get there. But, before I write for the day, I often know which direction the next 2 – 3 scenes will head–but then, they often flit off in a strange direction. That’s what makes writing fun. 🙂
    Did you know that Steven James is a pantser? As complex as his books are, that surprised me.

    Like

  2. Nicole Avatar

    I didn’t know Steven was a pantser, but it’s encouraging to find that out, Bren. Because the story I’m working on now seems like I should write with an outline. No can do.
    Like you, I love the surprises along the way. “First drafts” don’t exist in their true forms for me – writing with abandon and going back to fill in and edit. I usually edit as I go. Fill in as I go. Sometimes makes for slow go-ing.
    When I hear of how detailed some writers are in their organization – outlines, character descriptions, synopses, storyboards, index cards, etc. – I get that sick feeling of being back in school again. 😉

    Like

  3. Brenda Anderson Avatar

    I know what you mean. To me, Post-it notes & storyboards & index cards completely steal the joy of creating. I’d feel like I was doing a math problem. No thank you.

    Like

  4. Nicole Avatar

    Yup.
    And thanks for the link, Bren.

    Like

Leave a reply to Nicole Cancel reply