The Great Writing Debate
Ask any group of writers how they approach a new novel, and you'll spark a passionate debate. Some writers plan every scene before typing "Chapter One." Others dive in with nothing but a vague idea and see where the story takes them.
The truth? Neither approach is right or wrong. What matters is finding the method that works for you—and understanding that you might be somewhere in between.
What is Plotting?
Plotters (also called "architects" or "outliners") create detailed roadmaps before they start writing. This might include:
Beat sheets — Scene-by-scene breakdowns of what happens and when
Character profiles — Detailed backgrounds, motivations, and arcs for every character
World-building documents — Maps, histories, magic systems, and cultural details
Timeline tracking — Ensuring events occur in the right order with proper pacing
Famous plotters include J.K. Rowling (who famously outlined all seven Harry Potter books), John Grisham, and Brandon Sanderson.
What is Pantsing?
Pantsers (writing "by the seat of their pants") or "discovery writers" start with little more than an idea, a character, or a situation. They discover the story as they write it, following their intuition rather than an outline.
For pantsers, the first draft is the exploration. They might not know who the murderer is until they write the revelation. They might be surprised by plot twists their own subconscious creates.
Famous pantsers include Stephen King, who describes his process as "excavating fossils"—uncovering the story that already exists. George R.R. Martin famously calls himself a "gardener" who plants seeds and lets them grow.
Pros and Cons
Plotting
Advantages
- + Fewer structural problems in revision
- + Easier to maintain consistency
- + Less likely to write yourself into corners
- + Often faster first drafts
- + Better for complex plots with multiple threads
Challenges
- - Can feel constraining or mechanical
- - Risk of losing spontaneity
- - Heavy upfront time investment
- - May resist organic character development
Pantsing
Advantages
- + Exciting sense of discovery
- + Characters drive the story naturally
- + Organic, surprising plot developments
- + Immediate creative gratification
- + Flexibility to follow inspiration
Challenges
- - Higher risk of plot holes
- - May require major rewrites
- - Easier to lose narrative momentum
- - Consistency can suffer
The Middle Path: Plantsing
Most writers fall somewhere between these extremes. "Plantsers" combine elements of both approaches, and there are many ways to do this:
Headlight Plotting
Like driving at night, you only plan as far as your headlights show. Know the next few chapters in detail, but leave the rest vague. As you write, continuously plan the next section.
Milestone Plotting
Know your major plot points (beginning, midpoint, climax, end) but discovery-write the scenes between them. You know where you're going; you discover how you get there.
Character-First Outlining
Deeply develop your characters but let the plot emerge from their decisions. Know who they are, what they want, and what they fear—then put them in situations and see what they do.
Reverse Outlining
Write your first draft as a pantser, then create an outline from what you've written. Use this outline to guide your second draft, now with a clearer sense of structure.
Finding Your Method
Not sure where you fall? Ask yourself these questions:
- 1.Do you get excited by the idea of planning, or does it feel like homework?
- 2.Have you ever abandoned a project because you got stuck and didn't know what happened next?
- 3.Do you prefer to know the ending before you start, or discover it along the way?
- 4.How do you feel about heavy revision? (Pantsers typically need more.)
- 5.In life, do you prefer detailed plans or going with the flow?
There's no wrong answer. Some writers need the security of knowing where they're going. Others find that security stifling. Most importantly: what has actually worked for you in the past? What helps you finish projects?
Tools for Both Approaches
Whatever your style, the right tools can help:
For Plotters
Use a Story Bible to organize your world-building, character details, and plot structure. Timeline features help track when events happen. Linking characters to locations and events maintains consistency.
For Pantsers
Even if you don't plan, you still need to track what you've written. A Story Bible becomes a record of discoveries—character traits that emerged, plot points you invented, details you need to remember. Update it as you go.
For Everyone
AI writing assistants can help both types. Plotters can use AI to brainstorm plot possibilities and identify holes. Pantsers can use AI to suggest what might happen next when they're stuck. The Story Bible integration ensures consistency regardless of your approach.
The Only Rule That Matters
In the end, there's only one rule: whatever helps you finish your book is the right method. Stephen King and Brandon Sanderson both sell millions of books using opposite approaches.
You might discover your style changes from project to project. A complex mystery might need more planning than a character-driven literary novel. A series might require more tracking than a standalone.
Experiment. Pay attention to when writing feels joyful and when it feels forced. Your natural inclination will reveal itself—and that inclination is your writing style.
