Plotter vs. Pantser: Which is Best?

Everybody writes differently. Some people plan their story for days, weeks, months, and even years, refining every last detail before they even start contemplating writing the prose. Others prefer not to overthink it, instead letting the words come to them naturally, with characters, settings, and storylines developing as they write.

There are terms to describe both of these kinds of people: a plotter and a panster.

Plotter: A writer who creates a detailed outline before writing.

Panster: A writer who writes spontaneously without too much (or any) planning.

Of course, there’s also the hybrid writer, who uses a mix of plotting and pantsing. Perhaps they plan out in detail particular parts of the novel, but let other scenes flow naturally as they write.

So, which works best for you? As there are no definite rules when it comes to writing, either one could be the choice that helps you write that best-selling novel you are sure is currently swirling around in your brain.

The Advantages of Being a Plotter

A plotter is a more methodical approach that allows you to envision the entire story from beginning to end before you start putting words to paper. The main advantage of this is that you have full control over your story, as well as confidence about where the plot is going at all times. Plus, once you have planned everything out and you finally sit down to write the words, you find that what comes out is more refined, and that you can get through the writing process much faster than if you had sat down with no ideas at all. The pacing, narrative, and foreshadowing all seem to click into place even before the first edit.

The Downsides of Being a Plotter

Some writers feel like being a plotter comes with restraints. There is little leeway for creative flow, with the process of plotting sometimes feeling like a chore. Plus, overplanning may even negatively impact your first draft, as the finished work may feel too orderly and purposeful – as though each character might take a bow at the end of the chapter.

The Advantages of Being a Panster

With pansting, the possibilities are endless. It’s like the world envelops around you as you write, and it almost feels like it’s your characters making the decisions, just as they would in real life. It’s exciting for you as a writer, too, because you don’t know where the story is going. Plus, the finished draft can often feel more natural and organic compared to a novel that has been meticulously plotted.

The Downsides of Being a Panster

Writer's block often strikes those who take on the pansting method – they may reach a certain point in the story and have no idea where to take it next. The novel may end up too meandering, too, with too much feeling inconsequential. It’s also harder for pansters to tick off good writing add-ins like foreshadowing and pacing. By the end of the first draft, there’s a high chance that intense revisions and edits are necessary.

So - Is One Better than the Other?

The truth is, there is no better method, as every writer is unique and has their own preferred methods that work for them. Some of the best writers in the world are pansters, while others are plotters. Some famous pansters include Stephen King, Mark Twain, and James Joyce. Agatha Christie, James Patterson, and Dan Brown, on the other hand, are known for their preference for organisational plotting.

Taking Both on Board

Many writers benefit from including a mix of plotting and pantsing writing techniques when completing their novel. Some plotting is good, as it means you can think about things like character development, plot structure, and foreshadowing into account before you start writing. At the same time, plotting absolutely everything may feel like too much, especially if you are eager to start writing the prose. In this case, consider plotting key parts of your novel while giving yourself some space in the middle to write freely.