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Guidelines for writing Poems, Stories and Tales

Pantsing a story?

Asked by: Tamara Espinoza

Pantsing refers to sitting down and writing by the seat of your pants, letting it all pour out to see where your creativity takes you. The idea is that if you write forward, the story will appear. And besides, the theory goes, the more you know about what you’re writing beforehand, the less you’ll want to write it.

What is a Pantser writing?

If you’re the type of writer who likes to fly by the seat of your pants and write without a roadmap, chances are you would identify as a “pantser.” A pantser doesn’t spend a lot of time evaluating writing methods or planning out story structure, nor do they follow a paint-by-numbers approach to novel writing.

What is the difference between planning and Pantsing?

You may have heard the terms “Planner” and “Pantser” in relation to how you write. A planner is fairly obvious; you plan the story out before you write it. A pantser simply flies by the seat of their pants; they have no idea what’s going to happen, and they’re making it up as they go along!

What is the flashlight method in writing?

Just like a flashlight gives great illumination to what’s near and only a small amount to what’s far, the “flashlight method” of outlining is all about letting yourself discover the story gradually while still doing enough planning that you can anticipate any walls you’re about to crash into.

What authors are Pantsers?

These famous authors are pantsers:

  • Diana Gabaldon, author of Outlander.
  • Matthew Hughes, author of What the Wind Brings.
  • George R.R. Martin, author of Game of Thrones.
  • Isaac Asimov, author of I, Robot (and many more)
  • Rex Stout, author of the Nero Wolfe Series.
  • Sally J. …
  • James Joyce, author of Ulysses.

What is a Pantser vs plotter?

A pantser is a term most commonly applied to fiction writers, especially novelists, who write their stories “by the seat of their pants.” The opposite would be a plotter, or someone who uses outlines to help plot out their novels.

How do you plot a novel for Pantsers?

We’re so glad you’re here.

  1. 4 Easy Steps for Outlining a Novel as a Pantser. …
  2. Step 1: Write Down Your Big Idea. …
  3. Step 2: Write a Summary of Your Big Idea. …
  4. Step 3: Divide Your Big Idea Into Parts. …
  5. Step 4: Map Your Small Ideas for Each Part. …
  6. 3 Unconventional Ways to Make More Time to Write.

What is a Plantser writer?

A plantser is an author who combines planning and pantsing methods to prepare for their novel.

Are you a planner or a Pantser?

Novelists tend to fall into two categories: “planners,” who develop outlines before they begin writing, and those who don’t, often referred to in self-publishing circles as “pantsers.” The term, which comes from the phrase “by the seat of your pants,” refers to novelists who work without any kind of synopsis, outline, …

Is J.K. Rowling a Pantser?

Rowling confesses that she uses a basic plot outline but fills in along the way, which sounds a lot like a “plantser,” the hybrid love child of a plotter and a pantser.

What type of writer is George RR Martin?

Fantasy horror science fiction



George R. R. Martin
Born George Raymond Martin September 20, 1948 Bayonne, New Jersey, U.S.
Occupation Novelist screenwriter short-story writer
Education Northwestern University (BS, MS)
Genre Fantasy horror science fiction

How do you write without a plan?

6 Secrets of Writing a Novel Without an Outline

  1. Re-evaluate what you’ve heard about story. …
  2. Let narrative forces rather than formulas drive your story forward. …
  3. Follow rabbit trails. …
  4. Write from the center of the paradox. …
  5. Trust the fluidity of the process. …
  6. Re-evaluate continuously.

Can I write a story without planning?

Whether you normally outline or not, give writing without one a try right now. Take any story idea you have, or choose one from this master list, and write for fifteen minutes without planning or plotting. You can start with an idea for a character, a scene, or a setting.

How do you Prewrite a novel?

Prewriting: What to Do Before Starting Your Novel

  1. Step 1: Plot Outline. Stat. …
  2. Step 2: Research. …
  3. Step 3: Design those Characters. …
  4. Step 4: Map Out Your World. …
  5. Step 5: Create a Playlist. …
  6. Step 6: Make a Visual Rep of Your Story. …
  7. Step 7: Stock Up on Supplies. …
  8. Step 8: Practice writing voice.

Can you write a story without a plot?

Yes, it is possible to write a short story without a plot. Just as long as the author is able to establish character within the story, then there is no reason why there cannot be a story that does not have an explicit plot. To sum up, there are of course novels that are more plot-driven than others.



What is a story with no plot called?

Both “concept books” (covering concepts such as colors, numbers, words) and “slice of life books” are two possible correct designations of picture books without plots, depending on the book.

What is a plotless story?

To some, it means more of a focus on inner conflict, psychological change, or a disconect between attitude and reality, rather than external conflict and goal. To others, it means favouring characterization and style of expression over story.

Can a story be without a theme?

A story MUST have a theme. It may have several, or it may be a theme so convoluted it’s hard to spot it, but it will be there. Travel, self-discovery, self-improvement (or opposite), love, greed, morality versus survival, and so on. Without a theme, you’ll have a word noodle, not a story.

Do all novels have a theme?

Every book has a theme and we often see the same theme in many books. It’s also common for a book to have many themes. A theme may show up in a pattern such as reoccurring examples of beauty in simplicity.

Is turning point and CLIMAX the same?

The climax is reached when the protagonist takes the last step to resolve a conflict or reach a goal. The result of this step or action is the turning point. The turning point begins to lead the reader to the final outcome or resolution of the conflict.