Plotter: how much planning is enough?

Hey!

I have to confess. I am a plotter. To you, that may be known under another name - an architect, a plotter etc. They are all the same thing. It refers to the type of writer: one who plans their writing before they actually "write."

On the other side of the coin, you have the pantser. These are the type of writers who like to come up with their writing as they go, planning in the moment rather than beforehand.

You may see online people disputing how one is better than the other and that if are a certain type then you are simply a "bad writer." But this isn't the case.

I like to compare this to learning styles. Not everyone learns in the same way, they require different methods of retaining information and using it. It is the same for writing. Understanding the benefits of both writing styles is what I believe makes someone a good writer - not which style they use personally.

For me, I think using both is a great way to write.

📝The full outline

When I begin a new project, I like to have a plan. I call this my "full outline," or "main outline." This document is broken down into a few sections:

• Book Summary
• Plot
• Character
• Setting

Each of these categories is broken down further into sub-groups. I then spend time filling out all the information that I already have decided on, and then fill in the gaps. For characters, I like to have their names and any background information - maybe even a brief description if it is important.

This is where both types of writing come into play. I like to plan my plot mostly as I feel that helps to make sure I have a goal to work towards and can make sure I am setting up the right foreshadowing. It also helps to give a sense of progression so the reader isn't lost.

However, when it comes to characters, I like to "discovery" write those. The exception for this is backstory elements that need to be planned as they relate to either the plot or the setting. But mostly, when a minor character is introduced, I create them on the spot and have fun making them interesting.

☁️The floating outline

A strategy I picked up from one of my favorite writers Brandon Sanderson, is that of the floating outline. In this document, I pull it up when I am about to start writing and label a few things:

• What needs to happen in this chapter to progress the plot?
• What details need to be given/hinted to the reader?
• What can make this chapter exciting?

It is only a short thing, but it takes a few minutes before writing to not only make sure that the reader will enjoy this particular scene but also that I will enjoy writing it. I find that if I am not enjoying writing the chapter, then how can I expect a reader to enjoy reading it?

🔂The workflow

Utilising the two methods together, I feel it helps combine both the outline writer in me, but also the discovery type which I feel helps write more natural-feeling characters.

As I said, this is purely my opinion on how I like to write but hopefully, it can help others find the style or process they prefer.

That's all from me today,
Fin :)