To Plot or Not to Plot: Is One Nobler than the Other?

Think of plotting as planning a road trip. You map out your route, plan your stops, and know exactly where you’re heading before you start the journey.

As a plotter, you create detailed outlines, character profiles, and story beats before writing your first chapter.

“Pantsing” (short for “writing by the seat of your pants”) is like taking a spontaneous road trip. You have a general destination in mind, but you’re open to whatever adventures appear along the way.

Pantsers start writing with a basic idea and let the story unfold naturally.

Honestly, I’m a little of both.

I create detailed backstories for each of my main and secondary characters. In fact, I use what I call a Character Bio to learn my characters inside and out, from the day of their conception to the names of their lovers to the grades they got in school.

I even design the homes my characters will live in and the wardrobes they’ll wear.

But when it comes to outlining, I’m not as detailed. I tend to write with a basic idea and let the story unfold.

Sure, I’ll sit down with my new idea and write a thorough outline of the overall story, but I absolutely do not plot out my chapters, which tend to be written organically as I set my characters in the scene.

Here’s something I’ve learned: You don’t have to be 100% one or the other.

As I’ve shared, I’m mostly a plotter, but sometimes my characters surprise me and take the story in unexpected directions. That’s okay! (Actually, it’s kinda fun when that happens.) The key is finding what works for you.

The beauty of choosing your method is that it can adapt to your audience. While I’m more of a pantser when writing my romance novels’ chapters (though with meticulously plotted characters!), I take a different approach with children’s books. For those, I plot more rigidly because I need to ensure the story stays focused and age-appropriate.

This flexibility in approach has served me well. My romance readers often comment on how real and rich my characters feel — which I credit to those detailed Character Bios I mentioned earlier.

Meanwhile, my structured approach to children’s books helps me maintain the clear storylines young readers need.

The lesson here? Don’t feel locked into one method. You can adapt your approach based on what and for whom you’re writing.

Think about plotting as building a framework for your story:

Remember, plotting doesn't mean you can't be creative along the way. Think of it as having a roadmap — you know where you're going, but you might still find interesting detours.

Begin with your core story elements:

Remember, neither method is “better” — it’s about what helps you tell your story best.

Whether you plot or pants, remember this: First drafts don’t have to be perfect. They just need to exist. You can always revise later. (And trust me, you will.)

In fact, that’s exactly what we’ll explore next week — the journey from that rough first draft to a polished final manuscript. Because no matter how you write your story, every author goes through the same crucial stages of turning their raw ideas into a book readers will love.

The key is finding what works for you. Some genres or age groups might benefit from more structure (like my children’s books), while others allow more flexibility (like my romance chapters). There’s no “nobler” path — there’s just your path.

So what’s your natural inclination — are you a plotter or a pantser? Or are you somewhere in between like me? Share your thoughts in the comments below!