In Defense of Pantsing. (Yes, Really!)

Let me start by saying I have never been a fan of Pantsing, or "seat-of-your-pants" writing. It makes no sense to me. Not only that, but the likelihood of running into the dreaded Writer’s Block multiplies when you Pants write. Granted, most novels I begin I write in “Pants mode,” and once I’ve written the first chapter or so, out comes the trusty pen and paper and I outline the rest. Because I'm a Plotter. From start to finish, and I make notes along the way on all the characters. So, by the time I write it out, I am sure of the What, Why, When, Where and How.

I surprised myself this weekend. As in, I made a startling realization. I’m sure all other writers know this, but I am somewhat new to the “Ah-ha Moment” party, so forgive me if this is old news.

Pantsing might actually be better than Plotting. At least, for ME.

Why do I make this claim? Because with any novel I’ve ever written, I’ve always plotted it out, and I stay with that plot, and there it is. Because I’m sort of a control freak when it comes to my writing. I am The Boss.

I’m currently writing a novel, and I will be honest, I have no idea how it’s going to turn out. It’s simply coming out of my brain, one sentence at a time, and I don’t have a plot. I’m simply watching it unfold as I go. I already have 52K on it, and I’m enjoying the process immensely, to my surprise.

BUT, since I’m monstrously insecure about having no firm plot, I gave what I had so far to a friend, for her honest opinion. And she liked it. A lot. And one of her comments was that it didn’t have the usual “info dumps” in it that a lot of books have.

And I realized, to my joy, there wouldn’t be. Because the backstory and motivations for everything are coming out as I write, and being revealed slowly, because even I don’t know what they are.

So, when I “Pants” write—does that mean I’m a better writer? Because I’m relinquishing control and essentially letting the characters dictate how things unfold—I info-dump less and the story is actually superior to what I usually write? I will admit, I’ve been surprised by some of the twists and turns my characters have taken. And if the end result is entertaining, even better, right?

So, there you have it. An argument for Pantsing! I wonder if other writers feel this way...

I Wrote.

Yesterday was a fluke. I won't lie. I promised myself writing would be a "treat" for me, once I got this whole house unpacked.

Then, yesterday happened. Got Hubby off to NYC for the week. Went to church. Came back home, assessed all the stuff I need to do this week, and told myself:

"You deserve the day off from unpacking."

And I did just that. I did exactly what I wanted to do, which was NOT unpack. I took a Sunday nap, (love those!) and when I woke up, I came down to the office and sat in front of my computer. Pulled up the story I was working on before we moved. Read some. Got lost in it. Started typing. And typing. And when I looked up a few hours later, it was dinnertime, and I'd written all the words out that had been locked up in my head for so many weeks.

I was reluctant to make dinner. But my boys (bless them for giving me space so I could write) were hungry. We had dinner. We hung out. They went to bed. I sat back at the computer.

I edited the scene I just wrote, until it felt right. It was midnight before I was ready for bed.

Unfortunately for me, I woke up this morning in the world of my characters. I am no longer estranged with them. I want to tell their story. They WANT me to tell their story. But I have to unpack. I gave myself a day, and now, it's back to business. But next week, when my self-imposed deadline expires and the house is unpacked, I WILL write more. I will get back on the computer and keep the story going.

It's good to be back.

I'm Moving!!

No, not the blog, but my family is moving to a new house about ten minutes away. This blog will be on hiatus until the 3rd week of July, because until then, I will be packing instead of writing!

And I might have an announcement for you all when I return! ;-)

Stay Tuned!

And It Begins...

Is this movie going to be a bit "much" for my 13-year old? Hmmmm....

The Trouble with Pantsing.

I have made no bones about the fact I'm TOTALLY pantsing this latest novel. I had a "bug in my bonnet" and I started writing. To date, after a few weeks, I'm about to break 40K on this novel. I've been writing it every day, mostly stolen moments, some planned, and never knowing where one scene will lead. I have ZERO synopsis, ZERO outline.

Total by-the-seat-of-my-pants writing.

And now? I find I've run out of Zip. Or at least, I have no earthly idea what to do next. Some people call it Writer's Block. I call it "Pantsing Peril." As in, I've written myself out. I officially have run out of creative steam, and the only way to get back on track (since the Muse has temporarily deserted me) is to WRITE A FREAKING SYNOPSIS. Figure out where I want to go, and get there.

Otherwise I will stop working on it, find other things to do, and eventually I will leave the world the characters have been so alive in, and I will become estranged to them. And I don't want that to happen, because I've been having too much fun with this.

Now I just need to sit myself down and plot it out. UGH. I'd rather drop a fork on my toe, tines-down.

And I'm Back...

I wrote 5K today. I have a pretty bad cold, so it kept me home bound. I haven't worked on my story for three days, so I figured I'd start up again.

And How.

Maybe I'll stick to that June 1st deadline, after all! Fingers crossed!

Being Sneaky About It.

I think my friend Brenda has already mastered the art of "sneaky" writing--as in, wherever you go (sports practice, etc.) you whip out that keyboard and start hammering away. My Alphasmart has become my buddy--I take him with me everywhere. I like the Alphasmart vs a Mini, because I'm not tempted to surf the Web. I just WRITE.

So, when I live in my car, I can turn it into Writing Time. While I'm grabbing lunch, I'll park myself in front of the computer and get some words in. Waiting for a load of wash or dishes? That's worth 30 minutes at least!

I guess I really REALLY want to get this story out, so I'm being creative about it. Usually I can't fit the writing in, but this time, I am compelled to at least get 1K in a day, preferably 2K.

I WILL make the June 1st deadline! I WILL! I'm almost halfway there!!!