The writing process, as we could see in our post on famous writers’ routines, is different for each author, depending on tweaks one might employ. This tends to do the opposite of encouraging writers to start, instead paralyzing them.
That’s why today we get to remove all your excuses and anxieties by stripping the writing process down into two essential ideas: Outlining and Pantsing.
For some, these ideas might be rudimentary, even condescending, but bear with me. First off, consider the fact that we all start somewhere and there was a time when someone had to teach this to you. Assuming that you are an experienced writer, you might want to stick around, because you might find something even you didn’t know.
An important thing to note is that each method might be preferable for a different type of story, but no rule is a commandment. They are meant to be broken, if it serves the purpose.
So let’s kick it off with:
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Outlining
The most popular method employed by 99% of writers (I made that number up, but you get the point). It requires exactly what it says: an outline.
When it comes to a story, most certainly it started with a little golden nugget of an idea that wedged itself in your waking mind and won’t let go. A character, nation, relationship dynamic, philosophy, ‘what if’’ scenario, or any number of other inspirations.
Good. We have a starting point. If it’s a character you have, they probably need a world to live in and creatures to share said world with. Said world has rules, and the creatures have customs and relationships. They communicate. They fight. Conflict happens. You get the point.
Plant this germ in your head and let it spread like a fungus until you have too many ideas to know what to do with.
Then, choose a story structure. The traditional three act story structure is your best bet if you hope to publish in the western hemisphere. Ask yourself: what needs to happen in each act? What are the major story beats? Characters? Motivations?
Then, work it down scene by scene - ask yourself: What is absolutely necessary for the reader to get the point I am trying to make? All else, eliminate with extreme prejudice.
And so you keep slicing the story into smaller chunks until the only thing left to do is to write the damn words in the right order.
Stories that might benefit from extensive outlining are: Mysteries, thrillers, multiple-book fantasy sagas, political intrigue.
Most famous outliners: J.K. Rowling, Ernest Hemingway, James Patterson, John Irwing.
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Pantsing
Now, the most daunting, yet potentially rewarding type of writing. It constitutes writing a story by the ‘seat of your pants’, hence - pantsing. But what does that mean?
Take the example of the idea nugget. Instead of planting it and letting it fester, then giving it structure, pantsers do the opposite. They grab it and run wherever it might take them.
Most usually, this happens by having a few interesting characters and a captivating idea for the book. Placing said characters in said idea, and letting them develop organically. You discover as you write, and change everything that needs changing.
Stephen King calls outlining the ‘tool of bad storytellers’. This is in part true, as you need to be an exceptional teller of stories if you ever hope to capture an audience with your unplanned rambling. On the other hand, this style runs the risk of suffering underwhelming endings, due to an obvious lack of planning. This is something Mr King is notorious for, so take his words with a pinch of salt.
Stories that might benefit from pantsing: Horror, contemporary, fantasy, romance.
Most famous pantsers: Stephen King, J.R.R. Tolkien, Quentin Tarantino, George R.R. Martin
So there you have it, two broad categories to choose from. But probably the most important takeaway is this: never pigeonhole yourself in one or the other. Brandon Sanderson, the most prolific modern fantasy writer, stresses the importance of doing both. Then, find your balance and use it. I personally like to have a rough outline of ideas I want to present, but if the characters surprise me along the way, I don’t hesitate to modify things. So be your own self and start.