What's Your Writing Type?

Hi there!

I hope your writing is going well. Today I'm going to ask you to step away from your manuscript for just a little bit of time. I'm giving you a break. This will require some thinking on your part, but it will be fun!

Did You Know . . .

. . . there are different types of writers? It may be something you've never thought about. Or perhaps you have. In any case, it's a fun discussion. There are three different types of writers:

Plotters

I can see some of you shaking your head, yes. If you're a plotter, you know it! The minute you're about to start a new book, you've got your notebook out, or you're sitting at your computer getting ready to tackle a writer's spreadsheet. Plotters outline their book and write character sketches before they even start to write their first page. They prefer structure and like to know where they're going at all times.

Pantsers

If you haven't heard this term before, it may make you giggle. Pantsers fly by the seat of their pants when they write. No outlines for these guys! They prefer freedom. With no written plot, they like to let the main character lead them to the end. They are just along to enjoy the ride.

Plantsers

If you don't quite fit into either category, you may be a combination of the two. Plantsers like to think about what they're going to write beforehand. Sometimes they even know the beginning, middle, and end, but that's as "plotter-ish" as they get. They, like Pantsers, also let the main character lead them through the book.

Pros and Cons of the Types

Each type comes with pros and cons:

Plotters

Pros: they hardly ever get stuck and can avoid major plot holes.

Cons: they may feel confined because of their outline and could possibly lose interest in their story.

Pantsers

Pros: they have total freedom when they write. This could lead to some surprising and fun twists.

Cons: they may end up getting lost without an outline, which could lead to a lot of revising.

Plantsers

Pros: they have enough structure so that they won't get stuck. And, they have freedom, which keeps the story fresh.

Cons: they can feel confused at times switching between both methods.

Which Type Are you?

Did you find your type? It's fun to think about. The more we know about ourselves as writers, the more comfortable and effortless our writing can be. The bottom line is, no matter what type, the goal is to finish and revise our books. Okay, back to work. Happy writing to all Plotters, Pantsers, and Plantsers!