It’s a question that all writers get asked at least once, including me. Some writers plan everything out in advance. Others make it up as they go, writing off the seat of their pants. It’s one of those things where writers seem to fall into one of two camps, it seems, similar to print vs. digital books when reading.
There are pros and cons for each method. With plotting, writers know exactly where they are going and able to consistently progress with their outlines, and so the likelihood of writer’s block is much smaller. I imagine that with some genres with plotlines or formulas already laid out, like the hero’s journey, historical fiction, or cozy mysteries, plotting might be easier for some. On the other hand, if the situation should arise where the writer doesn’t like where the story is progressing or even a specific element, starting over is even more difficult. I’ve encountered this feeling whenever I’ve grown dissatisfied with character names and wanted to rename them or other details, and often it feels like the only way I can move forward is to start over.
Being a pantser, in contrast, offers more freedom and flexibility. A story can develop more fluidly and build upon itself like a voyage of discovery. Opportunities for creativity are greater, but, as one would expect, so is the possibility of running into writer’s block. Most people I’ve met have expressed their surprise when they learn I’m not a full-blown plotter, because, as someone on the autism spectrum, I do prefer to plan ahead with many things, and have a preference for patterns and routines, in my life as a means to avoid anxiety. But life doesn’t always work out like that, and I get anxious anyway, so I have tried to not always have patterns, and some have been given up, I’m happy to say, because I’ve learned I don’t always need to have them.
Nevertheless, I’m also aware that even careful planning doesn’t always lead to things working as hoped for. But does that mean I’m a pantser? No, not entirely. Every writer has their preferences. Some see the first draft as their plotting, or seek a middle path, what is called a plantser. So perhaps this is like planting seeds and then watch them grow.
I don’t know if I even fall into that category. It could always change in the future. But I think that just like with print vs. digital books, we shouldn’t simply fall into camps because of what we prefer. Everyone has their preference and should be respected for it. I just write, and I am constantly seeking my own way, which is always evolving.
P.S. Check out the Moonstone Arts Center’s 2023 haiku anthology. It features five of mine! I also changed the site’s theme a few days ago. I hope you like it!
Andrew McDowell 
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