It’s the age old dilemma for writers. Plotting vs pantsing.

Do I plan my novel out in the most intricate detail? Do I map out every plot point, figuring out exactly how the chapters are going to be structured? Do I draw up detailed sketches for every character, describing every aspect of their appearance, personality and backstory? Do I have it effectively figured out from the start?

Or do I just make it up as I go along? Do I assume that the plot and the characters will make themselves clear to me as I slowly get to know them? Do I just let the muse take me where she will, trusting that everything will come together in the end?

As any regular reader of this blog (and I know you’re out there – at least I like to think that I know you’re out there) should know, I have no hard and fast rules when it comes to choosing between these writing methods. I’ve followed them both at different times, and I’ve merged them in all all sorts of ways. However, today I’m not talking about novel, or even story writing. I’m actually talking about this blog.

When it comes to writing these blog posts, I would say (possibly surprisingly) that I’m a plotter. I like to plan out my posts, sometimes months in advance, so every week I have a really good idea about what I’m going to be writing about. The idea of sitting at a computer to write a blog post from nothing is possibly even scarier than sitting at a computer trying to write a story from nothing.

But every so often, my planning falls over. As much as I try, I’m not able to continually generate a list of post ideas. I’m forced to revert back to working by the seat of my pants. And that’s exactly where I am right now.

I have no idea what this post is about. I don’t know where it’s leading. I don’t know what point I’m trying to make. I even have no idea what this sentence is about. I’m totally making this up as I go along. And I hate it. I might be happy being a total pantser when it comes to my stories, but I’m finding that doing it for this blog post is incredibly stressful.

I don’t think I can do this any longer. I think this blog post via pantsing is just not working for me. I’m going to have to up my plotting, to ensure it doesn’t happen again. It’s all too difficult.

Whether you’re a plotter or a pantser, I hope you have a good week.