Pantster vs Plotter

Had anyone asked me this question in the beginning I would have stated 'Pantster' in a heartbeat. There is something cool about writing from the hip, closing your eyes and pointing on a map to decide where to go. A rebel of the writing craft.

I am fast learning that I am just not one of them.... I think

For me writing by the seat of my pants is fine for RPG's or small bits because you don't have to worry about what happens 50 pages later. Now I want to plan out the entire book, not in detail because I'm afraid that will stifle some of the creativity but I need to know where they are going. What secrets are hidden behind the corners that they don't know about? What little clues can I drop in now that aren't understood until later? How can I write a reaction to something if I don't know about something in their past that will aid or hinder the decision making process.

The most difficult part I have found is that I can't write for a character until that character has taken on a life of it's own in my subconscious. The vicious circle is that how can this character develope unless I get writing and see how they react to what is happening. Technically a pantster trick in my book.

Sound confusing...yea to me too.

For now the only way to describe my current technique is to plot out the scenes but then let the characters be the pantsters.

I'll let you know if it works.

A forgotten treasure

There is only so much research that one can do on-line. Don't get me wrong there is something to be said for typing in some words into a search engine and having the answer appear in front of you. What I have discovered is that many sites just steal information from, or outright contradict, each other. The other day I suddenly remembered that there is a place that one can go for answers. It's called a LIBRARY.

It's been years since I have been to ours. Thankfully in that time they have done many improvements and the collection of books has grown considerably. It only took about 15 minutes and I was lugging a pile of 10 hardcover research books to the children's area. With a shooing motion I sent my 2 little ones off to explore and I began scanning information. Byt the time they had made their choices I was down to 6 books. Four came home because when I tried to check out I was told that two aren't allowed out of the Library. So that is what the bright orange sticker means. LOL At least I know where to find the answers if I need them. Adult Non-Fiction

Introducing..

Lord Tristian Spencer 6th Viscount Sherbrook & Lady Constance Bingham
















Neither of whom may forgive me for what I am about to put them through; despite my promises that they will get their Happily Ever After