Writers and Their Thought Organization: Plotters vs. Pantsers
Writers often struggle with how to organize their thoughts when creating a new book. It’s a daunting process, filled with numerous revisions and rewrites. Organization is key for success, but it doesn't come naturally to everyone. Some use digital tools and structured methods, while others prefer a more spontaneous and flexible approach.
Organizing Thoughts and The Digital Age
Who says we’re organized? In my experience, digital tools have been a game-changer. I rely on Evernote and Scrivener to corral all the ideas and keep them corralled. These platforms help me manage my scattered thoughts, organizing them into manageable chunks.
The Digital Workflow: From Manuscripts to Digital Formats
Manuscripts need to be in a portable digital format. Save your files with names that clearly define their content. Keep each chapter in a separate folder for easy access and modification. The structure of my writing process is divided into early life, secondary stages, and conclusion. I use a similar format, drawing from Maslow's hierarchy of needs to organize my content.
Organizing Thoughts: A Personal Approach
The question of how people organize their thoughts is valid, but it might not have a single answer. For me, the process revolves around several key steps. First, I focus on nailing down the high concept and developing a likeable character. From there, I visualize the climactic final battle and sudden anti-climax. Next, I envision four powerful action scenes that build to the climax and link these with detailed chapter outlines. Finally, I write an opening scene that hooks the reader.
The Plotter vs. Pantser Dilemma
Are you a plotter? Do you lay out everything before writing a single word of the story? Or are you a pantser, inventing the plot, characters, and settings as you go along? Both approaches have their merits and can work depending on your personality.
The Plotter’s Perspective
Plotters prefer to outline the entire plot and even storyboard every scene. This approach ensures a workable story early on, with few surprises. However, there can be little flexibility and fewer impromptu decisions, leading to fewer plot twists and turns.
The Pantser’s Perspective
Pantsers, like myself, prefer a more spontaneous approach. We fly by the seat of our pants, discovering and developing the story as we go. While this can be more fun and creative, it can also lead to dead ends and complications that require extensive rewriting.
Which Approach Does the Writer Choose?
Both methods can work, and the choice often depends on your personal writing style. Plotters appreciate the structure and early clarity, while pantsers enjoy the freedom and spontaneity. Ultimately, the best approach is the one that allows you to stay true to your characters and the story you want to tell.
Conclusion
Organization is crucial for any writer, whether it's through digital tools or a flexible approach. The key is finding a system that works for you and enables you to bring your ideas to life without getting bogged down in the process. If you choose to be a plotter, focus on structuring your plot and creating outlines. If you decide to be a pantser, embrace the unexpected and let your characters guide you.