Pantster awarness

I had wanted to write another blog last week as a form of accomplishment. If you read my last post, you might remember I wanted to complete two chapters before I blogged again. The first chapter went quite well, I completed it in about two days but this last chapter... let's just say I have a lot to learn about self imposed deadlines.

I follow very few blogs or groups related to writing but I do follow r/writing on Reddit. Last week I was drawn to a post by a member stating they believed themselves to be a Pantster. I have to confess, I had to look up the term and was surprised by its meaning.

Although the term/name sounds derogatory, I am somewhat of a Pantster. There, I said it. I write 'by the seat of my pants' as the term is described, at least, most of the time. I have a way of keeping notes and track of what I want to write about in the next couple of chapters. I have ideas about what I want/need to happen on any given chapter I'm writing and thats about it! So for that reason, I am apparently a Plantster and not a Plotter or Pantser. Who knew there were so many labels?!

In truth, I know no other way to write, I didn't exactly study English at a high level or attend any creative writing classes. I write what I want (which I often don't exactly know when I begin) and continue until I think each sentence conveys the information I need it to. I have tried planning a number of times (faking being a Plotter) but always feel constrained and end up changing what I thought I wanted to say anyway. I guess, like Popeye, I am what I am. A Plantster and proud.

I think for any writer, you have to do what works for you. And, because I like to feel accomplished, I would rather spend the bulk of my time getting words down, most of which will see their way into the finished work, rather than spending hours/days/weeks planning. I research along the way, as and when I need to. Admittedly that sometimes prevents me from completing the amount of work that I wanted to in the first place but... ah well.

Anyway, enough rambling. Chapters 8 and 9 are complete and the book is shaping up rather well. If only I knew how it was going to end.... Better get plotting. Oh yeah, I have also added times of the day to this book, I think it might save confusion for readers, me included!

Much love to you all, especially the people who have purchased either book recently or have been here from the start of this journey.