Round Robin – Plotter or Pantser?

Regent’s Canal

Our June topic is Plotter vs Pantser – which are you and why – or how does one method work for some books and the other for a different type of story?

Writing a book might look to the uninitiated as smooth a journey as cruising on a canal. Once underway, however, there are unexpected obstacles below the surface. I might have used a picture of a gliding swan whose feet will be paddling madly out of sight.

I am temperamentally a pantser. The idea thwarts every impulse to research the probability or even the possibility of the main event. What could go wrong?

I write a lot of historical stuff. Currently I’m writing a serial set in the late nineteenth century and, guess what, cardigans weren’t yet a thing. How can that be? My character needs to twiddle with the button on her cardigan until she pulls it off. But – she wouldn’t have been wearing one in her position in society. So, how to make a positive out of a negative? She is the twiddling nervously kind of character but she just has to find something in her era to twiddle. Shawl fringes, anyone?

As a pantser I’ve had to learn to go with that initial flush or thrust of creative energy and rein it in when hitting the practicalities. It would often have saved a lot of time if I had spent more at the pre-beginning on plotting but it would have lost its exciting leap into the unknown story.

Once fixed on its prey (or by analogy having done its plotting) the owl will not be diverted. Visiting a centre and sitting around while the keeper demonstrates this behaviour can mean your hairline is parted as the bird flies over. Shivery! But, they are successful hunters.

I simply cannot do it.

How about you? Plotter or pantser?

Did I say I’d been in Turkey recently with a party of folk from the Friends of the Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh? Some amazing scenery, flowers and social obs from that trip. Stories in the future.

Who wore these boots?

Anne

Other robins commenting this month are:

Marci Baun http://www.marcibaun.com/blog/

Dr Bob Rich  https://wp.me/p3Xihq-2X1

Anne Stenhouse https://annestenhousenovelist.wordpress.com

Skye Taylor http://www.skye-writer.com/blogging_by_the_sea

Helena Fairfax http://www.helenafairfax.com/blog

Diary of a Writer – June Prompt

Reading – in times past

Having just had a lovely trip to Turkey under the auspices of the Friends of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, I have a huge number of photographs to sort and edit. This chap caught my attention while I was looking for a photo to head the post with.

Several of the museums in Istanbul had similar figures and they are startlingly lifelike. Books in times past were substantial items and the one above certainly wouldn’t be for reading in bed or tucking in a pocket for that odd moment. On the other hand, it does remind one how long the written word has been of importance to culture. Whether it’s for your information, your entertainment or your mental health, books have had a place in our lives for generations.

I think he’s a prompt. Someone had to create his tome and when he’s finished reading it, chances are he’ll want to go onto the next. Will that be written by the same author – or by you or me?

Of course, having been away, I haven’t written much in May. However, I did come back with some inspirational moments, some wonderful photos and the memory of many delightful conversations with other group members. Instalment Two is through and Instalment Three under consideration.

The Scottish Association of Writers is running its annual Short story and Poetry competitions with a closing date of 5th August 2023. Rules are here Nothing like a little bit of focus and a deadline, I think. Good luck!

How is your writing life?

Anne