Okay, there are two kinds of writers – “pantsers” and “outliners.” I’m a “pantser,” which means I fly by the seat of my pants. I don’t outline a story…I can’t…I just sit and write. My characters tell me where the story should go. It’s a freeing experience; however, when it comes to editing after you’re ‘done,’ it’s a bear.
This is why it’s taken me MONTHS to re-write and edit…removing parts that don’t need to be there…changing scenes around…adding scenes where they need to be, etc.
I like the feeling of just being able to write, but I DON’T like the re-writes. So, those of you still eagerly awaiting my book, please don’t give up on me. I’m still plugging away at it! It’s difficult when you still have a full-time job, because it seriously hampers the writing time and entire process.
Thank you for your kindest wishes and encouragement along my journey.
I think I'm a bit of both: a slightly outlining pantser. A strange hybrid species. I need to have an idea where I want to go in any given scene but not so much detail that I've written it before I write it.
ReplyDeleteIt's still a pain in the patootie to re-write because every writer puts in stuff the first time that needs cutting and leaves out some of the good stuff.
But once the "bones" of the story are in, the rest is just cosmetic surgery.
Han in there; you'll get it done.
I'm with you Dawn, a pantser! I have tried to outline, but it doesn't work for me and I am also in the same place as you, re-writing, but I enjoy making my story richer as I go along! There are a lot of books out there that I have red which have very little richness or character building and I find those two aspects are the most important to me. It's as if they write the book, do the edits and pass it along without any deep thought to their novel. Even though it is harder and takes longer being a pantser, I think I will probably stay that way!
ReplyDeleteThanks ladies - I don't think I could be an outliner, even if I tried. The characters in my head insist on telling me where to go! lol You're right - the more I do this, the better I'll be, which means (hopefully) in future books, I won't have to spend so many months re-writing.
ReplyDeleteTotally understand, Dawn, and would never give up
ReplyDeleteon you and the anticipation I feel for your writing!
I don't know how you do it at all, but just
keep doing it, ok? :-)
I promise, Elaine...I can't and won't stop myself anymore...I've finally let 'the writer within' come out for good, and it's here to stay.
ReplyDeleteI let way too many years go by without using my talent to its fullest potential. Now is my time :)
Let me tell you... I outline until I'm blue in the face.
ReplyDeleteAnd it takes years to get anything finished so you are not alone!
Great post - I couldn't agree more :)
Hi Kit - nice to meet you! To be blunt, I suck at outlining, so I can't even attempt it! I'm going on 8 months, I think, over this first book.
ReplyDelete