You probably have heard about plotters vs. pantsers when it comes to how to plot. But in case you haven’t, let my quickly recap. Plotters are writers that outline the entire story before writing a single word. Pantsers are the opposite. They write without an outline or by the seat of their pants (hence the name).
I want to suggest a hybrid of the two as the best way to write both efficiently and authentically. I don’t have a fancy name for it, and many writers may already combine the two methods, but let me explain why using both styles will benefit the story.
Step one: plot out your book as much as you like: note cards, entire notebooks depicting every scene, years of research and study (what ever works for you). But once you are done with your outlines/prep work incorporate pantser methods.
Step two: take time to partake in free writing exercises and pantser writing styles to allow your plot to bend, flex and explore new directions. In other terms allow your characters to rebel against the plot. It’s one thing to plot out “character will say x and then y in order to explain the fantastical story element.” But when you get down to business and start writing the dialogue, characters can find their own voice and rebel. Let them!
This may sound weird to those just starting out. An author controls everything, so how can a character not cooperate with the plot?
Well an author may control everything, but he/she doesn’t know everything about the world from the very beginning. And there is a lot to think about and develop. If a character’s backstory/past actions don’t align with a current plot point then reevaluate the scene or the character. Don’t trudge onwards with the plot as if nothing is wrong. Always question your character’s actions because your readers will.
The world, the characters and the plot must all work together.
I say let your characters come to life, let them have a voice and enough personality to ruin your plot. It’s happened to me countless times. Sometimes I am sad, frustrated or doubtful to see my original concept twisted and off track. But by the end it always feels more authentic to let events, feelings and reactions happen naturally instead of forcing it to turn one way or the other. It’s a bit like raising a child. Parents might have plans for their kid, might guide them towards a desired path. But in reality kids develop their own personality and find their own path in life.
What’s the worst that can happen if you travel down a new and unmapped terrain in your story? You have to rewrite entire scenes later? That’s all part of the process of editing anyway! As long as it feels authentic to the characters and the world, I don’t think you will regret it.
Some of my most original concepts have come out of letting my characters converse naturally without restraining them to talk about only plot or world building elements. Do most of these conversations get thrown out? Yes. But they are also highly beneficial.
- They help me connect to the characters and find out who they are.
- Sometimes they randomly say or do something that becomes critical to the world.
- Example: Recently I had one of my minor characters do a unique gesture with their hand in a sign of respect. Immediately after the words materialized, I realized this is the salute everyone in this fantasy world uses instead of the standard handshake.
- They generate nuances, character quirks, and the smaller world building elements that I had yet to think of or plan out. Thus, enriching my world further.
Later I always find these traits or elements integrate well with the rest of the world. Trust your brain or more importantly trust your ability to work out the story when you are stuck. But that means sitting down and writing. I believe this is why you should write often and keep writing. It not only helps you become better, it can lead you down unexplored paths (themes, plot points, character development) that you had not consciously thought up yet.
Happy Writing!