(Plotting vs. Pantsing Explained Without the Drama)
Every writer eventually hits this fork in the road:
Do I plan my book? Or do I just… start typing and hope for the best?
If you’ve been hanging around writing spaces for more than five minutes, you’ve probably heard the terms “plotter” and “pantser” thrown around like they’re rival gangs in a YA novel. But here’s the truth:
You don’t have to pick a side.
You just have to pick what works for you.
Let’s break it down, without the guilt, gatekeeping, or guru talk.
(Plotting vs. Pantsing Explained Without the Drama)
What’s a Plotter?
A plotter is someone who likes a plan. They outline their story ahead of time, sometimes in neat bullet points, sometimes in color-coded spreadsheets that would make a project manager weep with joy.
Plotters might know:
- How the story ends
- Where the turning points are
- What happens in each chapter
- Which character dies in Act Two (and why it’s going to destroy the reader emotionally)
If you like structure, clarity, and knowing where you’re headed before you hit the gas, plotting might feel like a warm, cozy safety net.
What’s a Pantser?
Short for “fly by the seat of your pants,” a pantser dives into writing without a map. They let the story unfold as they go, often discovering new characters, twists, and themes along the way.
Pantsers might:
- Start with a vibe, a line of dialogue, or a what-if
- Write completely out of order
- Learn about their characters while writing them
- Finish chapter five and have no idea what happens in chapter six
If this sounds chaotic, that’s because it kind of is. But for some writers, that chaos is where the magic happens.
So Which One Is Better?
Plot twist: neither.
There’s no gold star for writing one way or the other. Some bestselling authors outline obsessively. Others couldn’t plan their way out of a paper bag and still write brilliant books.
It’s not about which method is better.
It’s about which method gets you writing.
How to Know What Might Work for You
Try asking yourself:
- Do I feel calmer when I have a roadmap, or does that kill the excitement?
- Do I freeze up without a plan, or feel bored when I make one?
- Have I actually tried both, or am I just assuming one is “right”?
Some writers think they’re pantsers, but get 30,000 words in and stall because they don’t know where the story is going.
Others think they’re plotters, but spend six months outlining and never write a single scene.
Experiment. You might be surprised. And as you experiment, remember that the process isn’t just about structure—it’s also about how your words sound on the page. If you’d like some encouragement on that front, check out Finding Your Writing Voice (When Everything Feels Awkward).
Introducing: The Plantser
Yes, there’s a middle ground. It’s called “plantsing”: part plotting, part pantsing.
A plantser might:
- Sketch out a few big scenes but leave room to explore
- Know their ending but not how they get there
- Create rough character arcs and let the details evolve
- Have sticky notes that mean something only to them and God
This hybrid style gives you a little structure with a lot of flexibility. It’s like having a trail map but still being open to taking the scenic route.
Pros and Cons (Because Lists Are Comforting)
Plotting Pros:
- You waste less time rewriting
- Fewer “what the heck happens now?” moments
- Easier to spot plot holes before they’re massive
Plotting Cons:
- Can feel rigid or overwhelming
- Might kill the creative spark for some writers
- Outlines can become a procrastination trap
Pantsing Pros:
- Surprising things happen (in a good way)
- Feels spontaneous and alive
- Great for character-driven stories
Pantsing Cons:
- Higher chance of writing yourself into a corner
- May need a lot of editing
- Harder to keep track of plot threads and pacing
What If You Change Your Mind?
You’re allowed.
Start as a plotter and throw the outline away. Start as a pantser and decide halfway through that you need a plan. You are not handcuffed to one method forever.
Every book is different. Every brain is different. Your process gets to evolve.
Final Thoughts: Do Whatever Gets You to “The End”
There’s no one right way to write a book.
Anyone who says otherwise probably wants to sell you a course.
Outlines calm you? Plot your little heart out.
Chaos fuels you? Go full pants.
Somewhere in the middle? Welcome to the plantser club. Snacks provided.
The only “wrong” way is not writing at all.
So whether you’re color-coding your scenes or chasing vibes with nothing but a blank page and a prayer, keep going. The story’s waiting.
You might also enjoy:
How long should your book be? (And does genre matter?)
What makes a story “work”? (Hint: it’s not perfect grammar)
First lines and last chapters: Starting strong and sticking the landing
How to finally start your book (even if you feel stuck)