Are you a Planner Writer or a Spontaneous Writer?

In the world of writing, authors often find themselves gravitating towards one of two primary approaches: meticulous planning or spontaneous creation. These two styles, often referred to as “plotting” and “pantsing” (as in, writing by the seat of your pants), represent different ways of approaching the writing process. While many writers use a combination of both methods, most tend to lean more heavily towards one or the other. So, which camp do you fall into? Are you a Planner Writer or a Spontaneous Writer? Let’s explore the characteristics of each to help you identify your natural tendencies and consider how to leverage your strengths while developing a well-rounded approach.

The Planner Writer

Planner writers are the architects of the writing world. They prefer to have a clear roadmap before embarking on their writing journey. If you’re a planner writer, you might recognize these traits in your process:

1. Detailed Outlines: You often create comprehensive outlines before starting to write, mapping out your story’s structure, key plot points, and character arcs.
2. Research-Heavy: You tend to do extensive research before and during the planning phase, gathering all necessary information upfront.
3. Character Bibles: You might create detailed character profiles, including backstories, motivations, and personality traits, before starting your first draft.
4. World-Building: If writing fiction, especially in genres like fantasy or sci-fi, you often develop intricate world-building documents.
5. Scene Planning: You may plan out individual scenes or chapters in detail before writing them.
6. Goal-Oriented: You usually set clear writing goals and milestones for yourself based on your outline.
7. Revisions Focus: Your revision process might focus more on refining language and details rather than major structural changes.

Famous planner writers include J.K. Rowling, known for her elaborate plot spreadsheets, and John Grisham, who outlines his novels extensively before writing.

The Spontaneous Writer

Spontaneous writers are the explorers of the literary world. They prefer to discover their story as they write, allowing for more flexibility and spontaneity in the creative process. If you’re a spontaneous writer, these traits might sound familiar:

1. Discovery Writing: You often start writing with only a basic premise or character in mind, discovering the plot as you go.
2. Character-Led: Your characters often “take on a life of their own,” sometimes leading the story in unexpected directions.
3. Flexible Plot: You’re comfortable with your plot evolving or changing significantly during the writing process.
4. Inspiration-Driven: You might find yourself more productive when inspiration strikes, rather than sticking to a rigid writing schedule.
5. In-the-Moment Research: You tend to research as you go, looking up information as it becomes relevant to your story.
6. Draft-Focused: You might prefer to get your ideas down quickly in a first draft, leaving major revisions and restructuring for later drafts.
7. Surprise Element: You enjoy being surprised by your own story, experiencing plot twists and character developments as your readers would.

Renowned spontaneous writers include Stephen King, who famously doesn’t believe in plotting, and Margaret Atwood, who has described her process as discovering the story as she writes.

The Spectrum of Writing Styles

It’s important to note that these categories aren’t rigid. Many writers incorporate elements of both styles in their work. You might be a planner who leaves room for spontaneous ideas, or a spontaneous writer who does some basic outlining. The goal is not to box yourself into one category, but to understand your natural inclinations and how you might expand your range.

Pros and Cons of Each Approach

Planner Writers

Pros:

• Often have a clear direction and structure for their story
• May experience less “writer’s block” due to having a roadmap
• Can be more efficient in their writing process
• Often require less extensive revisions for plot and structure

Cons:

• Might feel constrained by their outline
• Could miss out on spontaneous creative ideas
• May spend too much time planning and not enough time writing
• Risk making the story feel too formulaic if adhering too rigidly to the plan

Spontaneous Writers

Pros:

• Often produce more organic, surprising narratives
• Can be more flexible in incorporating new ideas
• May feel a greater sense of creative freedom
• Characters and plot may evolve more naturally

Cons:

• Might struggle with plot holes or inconsistencies
• Can experience more severe writer’s block when unsure of the direction
• May require more extensive revisions and rewriting
• Risk getting lost in the story and struggling to find an ending

Embracing Your Style and Expanding Your Skills

Whether you’re a planner writer, a spontaneous writer, or somewhere in between, the key is to embrace your natural style while continuing to grow as a writer. Here are some tips for both:

1. For Planner Writers:

• Leave some room for spontaneity in your outline. Allow yourself to deviate from the plan if a great idea strikes.
• Try writing a short story or a chapter without any planning to exercise your spontaneous writing muscles.
• Use your planning skills to set up interesting scenarios, then allow yourself to write more freely within that framework.

1. For Spontaneous Writers:

• Try creating a basic outline for your next project. It doesn’t have to be detailed – even a rough sketch of beginning, middle, and end can help.
• Practice developing character profiles before you start writing to give yourself a stronger foundation.
• Consider outlining after your first draft as a revision tool to identify plot holes or pacing issues.

1. For Those In Between:

• Recognize the value of your flexible approach and continue to refine your balance of planning and spontaneity.
• Experiment with different levels of planning for different projects to see what works best for each.
• Share your methods with other writers to gain new perspectives and ideas.

Finding Your Balance

The most effective writing process often involves a balance of planning and spontaneity. Here are some strategies to help you find that balance:

1. Flexible Outlining: Create an outline but view it as a guideline rather than a strict rule. Be open to deviating from it when inspiration strikes.
2. Checkpoint System: Set up major plot points or “checkpoints” in your story, but allow yourself to write freely between these points.
3. Character-Plot Balance: Plan your main character arcs but allow room for spontaneous development in how they reach their goals.
4. Revision as Re-Planning: Use the revision process to restructure and refine your spontaneously written draft, applying your planning skills after the fact.
5. Hybrid Approach: Try planning certain elements (like character backgrounds or world-building) in detail, while allowing the plot to develop more spontaneously.

Conclusion

Whether you’re a planner writer who meticulously outlines every detail, a spontaneous writer who discovers the story as you go, or someone who blends both approaches, remember that your natural inclination is a strength. It’s part of what makes your writing process unique.

The journey of a writer is not about changing your inherent style, but about expanding your toolkit and learning to use all your skills effectively. Embrace your strengths, but don’t be afraid to push your boundaries. The most engaging stories often come from authors who know their preferred method but aren’t afraid to experiment and grow.

So, are you a planner writer or a spontaneous writer? Whichever you are, celebrate your unique approach and keep refining your craft. The world is waiting for the stories that only you can tell, in the way that only you can tell them!