Once the framework of the story is outlined, like the skeleton of a new building, I allow myself to free-write while filling in each chapter. That leaves me open to moments of inspiration that can only come while one is immersed – in the ‘zone’ – but still ensures I’m working toward an organized, cohesive goal.
Both outlining and pantsing are processes of discovering a story, and melding the two together can be extremely efficient. Like any other profession, we improve with time. And that’s a good thing, because I spent five years writing and rewriting my first novel, then throwing the entire thing away and rewriting it yet again, before I completed something worthwile. I can’t afford to do that any more, nor do I need to. I can apply those lessons to each new project.
In today’s fast-paced world, that’s a good thing.
So where on the pantsing-to-outlining scale do you fall?
About the Author: Frank Morin
Frank Morin loves good stories in every form. When not writing or trying to keep up with his active family, he’s often found hiking, camping, Scuba diving, or enjoying other outdoor activities. For updates on upcoming releases of his popular Petralist YA fantasy novels, or his fast-paced Facetakers alternate history fantasy series, check his website: www.frankmorin.org
2 thoughts on “Frank’s Pantsing Doctrine”
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iN RESPONSE TO QUERY LETTERS, PUBLISHERS REQUEST THAT I SEND THE FULL FIRST CHAPTER, PERHAPS A SECOND, THE FINAL CHAPTER, AND A DETAILED OUTLINE OF THE REST OF THE BOOK. wHAT WAS LEFT TO ME AS A MEANDERING WRITER OF DENSE PROSE WAS MONTHS OF MISERY, TRYING TO FIGURE OUT HOW TO OUTLINE AFTER THE FACT.
yOUR FRAMEWORK OUTLINE IS SENSIBLE NOT ONLY AS A TOOL FOR WRITING A FIRST DRAFT, BUT ALSO FOR RECOGNIZING CLEARLY HOW YOUR STORY HANGS TOGETHER. SHOULD YOU NEED TO PROVIDE AN AGENT OR PUBLISHER WITH A DETAILED OUTLINE, YOUR JOB IS EASIER: WITH A SKELETON OUTLINE BEFOREHAND, AN AUTHOR CAN MORE EASILY RECOGNIZE THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A MAJOR PLOT LINE OR CHARACTER AND THE SECONDARY OR NON-PIVOTAL AND ADD THEM TO THE FLESHED-OUT OUTLINE ACCORDINGLY.
Tip top stffu. I’ll expect more now.