Plotting vs Pantsing: How Much Should You Plan Your Novel?

Writing a cohesive, well-crafted story is a difficult task and there is no “right” way to do it. Every writer needs to discover how they best plan a story. Some writers are plotters and some are pantsers. A plotter is an author who outlines his or her novel before he or she begins writing. These authors tend to know who their characters are and where the book is going before writing the first chapter. A pantser is an author who discovers the story as he or she writes it. These authors tend to appreciate hearing the story unfold alongside their readers. Most authors, though, are a little of both. Those who decide to plot a novel need to choose one of the many ways to outline.

As you’re choosing your writing process, it can be helpful to listen to advice from published authors. In the clip below, a group of established authors, including bestselling children’s author R.L. Stine, share their writing process and explain the advantages and disadvantages of various methods. Watch the video and learn from their mistakes so you don’t have to make them yourself!

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