I used to be a “pantser” as in, I wrote my books flying by the seat of my pants, making it all up as I went along. I knew certain things had to happen–a kiss, a black moment, a confession of love–but I didn’t know when or where or…anything. This system worked–I got the book done. But it was a bit of nightmare when it came to revisions or keeping my facts straight and remembering who knew what and when and where and why, for lord’s sake.
The next time, I wrote a synopsis at the request of my editor. It was only five pages or so, but it contained all the pivotal scenes and the character arcs. I referred to it quite a bit when writing the novel, though I didn’t actually stick to it entirely. For example, I thought it’d be lovely to have a first kiss in the garden as dusk but then I was just typing along one day and the hero and heroine were sitting on the bed, bickering and…kissy kissy.
I must say that I have truly outdone myself with the level of plotting for my newest venture, The Sinfully Seductive Rakish Rogue’s Mysterious Midnight Mistress of Pleasure. I am no longer a pantser and officially a Plotter. Think spreadsheet. Think color coordinated entries by characters. Please, wash your hands before you touch this masterpiece. This twenty-page document makes me SO happy. I’m confident that when I’m halfway through the book and I know exactly what is happening, to whom and when and where, I’m going to be delighted to be avoiding the “Oh f*** now what?” moment. But we shall see…
5 Comments
LOL, Maya! I’ve had many of those “Oh f*** now what?” moments! I feel your pain. But I’m glad to hear you’ve found a system that works for you. I find that what works for one book doesn’t necessarily work for another with me…so, it’s always an adventure
Maybe one day I’ll solidify some kind of system!! (though probably not 
)
Sounds great! I’m especially impressed by the color coordinated entries by characters.
Thank you, Laura! I am also impressed by my color coordinated entries. Dark Green for the hero and purple for the heroine.
Jerrica, you’re so right about every book being different! And yes, thank goodness, it always is an adventure
You’re really good in expressing such things!
I think I’m a plontser (my oh my, my “jokes” are getting worse and worse, a mixture between a pantser and a plotter. I write certain aspects down that are going to happen but still let myself be carried away while writing. I think it’s so interesting to see how differently people work!
And I promise I’ll take a bath before I take your book into my hands!
Omg I love “Plontser”!! LisaK, that is genius!