If you’ve spent more than five minutes in an online writing group, you’ve probably heard the terms plotter and pantser. And if you haven’t, buckle up — because apparently, your entire writing identity now depends on whether or not you outline.
Let’s break it down.
No labels. No judgement. Just a little clarity — and maybe a nudge toward what works best for you.
🧭 The Plotter: Map in Hand, Snacks Packed
Plotters plan their stories in advance.
They sketch out character arcs, chapter beats, world lore, and plot twists before writing a single word of prose.
If you love:
- Bullet points
- Colour-coded sticky notes
- Knowing where your story is headed before you begin
…then you might be a plotter. Think of it like planning a road trip with an itinerary. You can always change the route mid-journey, but you start with a map.
Pros:
- Fewer rewrites (usually)
- Clearer sense of structure and pace
- Easier to stay motivated when you know what’s next
Pitfalls:
- Can lead to over-planning and under-writing
- Might feel rigid or restrictive if you discover new ideas while drafting
🕶️ The Pantser: Wing It and Write On
Pantsers — as in writing by the seat of your pants — dive straight into the story without a detailed outline.
They follow instinct. They trust their characters. They write to discover what happens next.
If you love:
- Surprises (even your own)
- Characters who hijack the plot
- The thrill of not knowing what’s around the corner
…you might be a pantser. You’re not lost — you’re exploring. And for some writers, that’s where the magic lives.
Pros:
- Feels natural and exciting
- Characters often evolve more organically
- Great for people who hate planning but love storytelling
Pitfalls:
- Mid-story burnout is common
- Structural problems may show up in revisions
- It’s easy to lose sight of the ending (or a cohesive point)
🤔 So, Which One Should You Be?
Here’s the twist: you don’t have to choose.
Most writers live somewhere on the spectrum between plotter and pantser — affectionately called “plantsers.”
Maybe you sketch a loose outline, then wing it from scene to scene.
Or you write freely until you hit a wall, then pause to outline what’s next. Both are valid. Both can work. The goal isn’t to belong to a camp — it’s to finish your story.
🛠 Try This: A Flexible Plan for Either Style
If you’re new to writing and don’t know where you fall yet, here’s a quick approach that balances both:
- Start with a “What if?” What if a man discovers a second version of himself is living his life better?
- Write a loose beginning and end. Just a paragraph each. You’ll connect them later.
- List 5–10 key scenes or turning points. Plotters will enjoy expanding these. Pantsers can use them as optional pit stops.
- Start writing. Don’t overthink it. Adjust your plan as you go.
The secret is to stay curious. If you feel bored, stuck, or overwhelmed, shift your approach. You’re not failing — you’re evolving.
🔄 Final Thought: The Method Doesn’t Matter if the Story Gets Told
Some plotters never finish because they get stuck in endless planning.
Some pantsers never finish because the plot fizzles out by chapter six.
You? You just need a method that keeps you moving forward.
If that means outlines, great. If it means writing blind and figuring it out later, also great. If it means using a planning tool (like the one on this site) to stay organised without feeling boxed in? Even better.
Whatever gets you to “The End” — that’s the right method.
