by Ciara Gold
June 15, 2005
Most of us fall into one of two categories. We’re either Plotters or Pantsers.
A plotter has a systematic approach to writing. They prepare endless character
charts, write detailed outlines, know before they begin what the black moment will
be and then they write. I would love to be a plotter. But alas, I’m not. I’m a
pantser. I write by the seat of my pants and some days it’s hard to find a pair that
fit.
But, I still have to follow the basic guidelines of good writing. I still need
GMC and characters that are bigger than life. I’ve been to countless workshops and
have gained valuable information to assist me in my endeavors, but most every workshop
I’ve attended attacks the problem from the plotters’ POV. So - pantsers, tighten your
belts, I’m going to address how you can manage to finish a manuscript and still have
a satisfying ending.
The beginning – I’m usually in the most inconvenient spot when I get that first
inspirational “ah, ha” moment. But I play it over and over in my mind until I can dash
to the computer and begin. And then I write the first chapter. At this point, everything
is determined by the characters and their first meeting. I write three chapters before
I stop, take a breath and realize I need to define my characters. By this time, the
characters have defined themselves to a point. But even if you’re a pantser like me, you
need to do those dreaded character charts. But a pantser must write and character charts
present a time consuming challenge.
So here’s a suggestion. Use astrology to help you define your characters. Pinpoint
two or three adjectives that describe your hero and heroine. Check out an astrology book
or find one at the book store. Find signs that fit who these characters have become so
far. I use a cheap astrology program I bought at a used book store that plots a basic
chart for any birthday I plug in. Assign birthdays to your characters and abba-kadaba-do,
you have a fairly detailed understanding of who your main characters are. And yup,
opposites often attract. Astrologers believe a person’s best chance for success in a
relationship is to find a person with an opposite sign. This isn’t always the case, but
a good astrology book will have a chart that lists romantic pairings as either compatible,
difficult or turbulent. Once you’ve done that, you can add in details and background that
make this character unique.
Now you should be ready to write again. But you still need to know internal and
external conflict for each character. Write your sentence for the hero and then the
heroine. He/she wants (goal) because (motivation) but (conflict). And then write three
more chapters.
For me writing is like watching a movie on television. It has to play out in my mind.
If I know ahead of time what’s going to happen, I get bored and I won’t write it. But
even a pantser needs some organization. Otherwise, you write yourself into a corner.
So – yes, you still need outlines, but you can write the outline after writing the
chapters. When I write the outline, I use a table format. Column one is for the scene,
and column two lists the reasons for having the scene. I usually write six chapters at
a time before drafting the outline. But this helps to see where you’ve been and it
helps you decide where you want to go. By the tenth chapter or so, you should have an
idea of what your black moment will be. To help define this moment, look for a thematic
thread that subconsciously weaves itself through the story. Write down the overall theme
of your story. Home is where the heart is. Love conquers all. Fate can’t be denied. The
black moment should contradict the goal, yet support the thematic thread. In losing what
they most desire, they find much more.
Once the outline is complete, you can see redundancies and plot holes and yes, you’ll
find your pants drooping at this point in the process. Because now, you have to delete
lots of words. Take a deep breath, hike up your britches and do whatever it takes to
make the story more cohesive, even if it means cutting whole chapters. Use the outline
to tie up loose ends and clarify your resolution.
Ripping out chapters is painful, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. I write until
my internal editor tells me something exciting needs to happen (and quick) to stir
things up. I’m a pantser and proud of it (even if I look funny waddling about with my
pants around my ankles.) Eventually, the britches find themselves back around my waist
and I finish the book.