pantser – Sara's Writing Sanctuary

When I first started writing, I didn’t know what kind of writer I was. I just knew I had stories in my head—characters whispering in my ear, emotions tugging at my chest, and scenes that popped up out of nowhere while I was doing the dishes or trying to fall asleep. I’d sit down, open a document or grab a notebook, and just… write. No outline. No chapter breakdown. Just me and the story, discovering it together one word at a time.

Turns out, there’s a name for that: pantsing. (Yes, it sounds a little silly—but it stuck!) And as I’ve grown as a writer, I’ve learned that knowing your writing style—whether you’re a pantser, a plotter, or somewhere in between—can help you work with your creative energy instead of fighting against it.

Let’s break down what these styles really mean:

What Is a Pantser?

A pantser writes “by the seat of their pants.” That means you dive into the story without a detailed outline, letting your characters, emotions, or ideas guide the journey. Pantsers often write intuitively and discover the plot as they go. There’s freedom in this approach, a kind of wild magic that keeps the process exciting. It’s ideal for writers who thrive on spontaneity and aren’t afraid of a few twists and turns.

Pros of Pantsing:

Great for creativity and unexpected plot discoveries
Characters often feel alive and real
Flexible and emotionally driven writing

Challenges of Pantsing:

Revisions can be a beast (hello, plot holes!)
Risk of getting stuck in the middle
May lose sight of the ending or theme

What Is a Plotter?

A plotter outlines their story before they start writing. This can be anything from a simple bullet list of scenes to an elaborate chapter-by-chapter breakdown. Plotters love structure and tend to have a clear roadmap of where the story is headed. If you like knowing what’s coming next and enjoy organizing your thoughts ahead of time, plotting might be your thing.

Pros of Plotting:

Clear direction makes drafting more efficient
Easier to spot pacing and story arc issues early
Reduces the risk of writer’s block

Challenges of Plotting:

Can feel rigid or limiting
May stifle spontaneous creativity
Risk of “planning fatigue” (outlining so much you burn out before writing)

Not Sure What Style You Are? Try These Tips:

If you’re new to writing and unsure which method fits you best, don’t stress. Here are a few ways to explore your natural style:

1. Try a short story both ways.
Write one short story using a rough outline, and another with zero planning. Which one felt more fun? Which one flowed easier? Your comfort level may surprise you.

2. Think about how you approach problems.
Do you like to plan everything in advance, or dive in and figure it out as you go? Your approach to other creative or daily tasks can offer clues.

3. Keep a writing journal.
After each writing session, jot down how it felt. Were you excited, stuck, or bored? Over time, patterns will emerge—like whether you get energized by structure or freedom.

4. Experiment with hybrid methods.
You don’t have to pick a side. Try using loose plot points or a basic three-act structure to guide your pantsing, or leave space in your outline for organic discoveries. There’s no wrong answer.

5. Ask yourself: What blocks you from finishing?
If you keep starting stories and never finishing, try outlining a bit more. If you’re stuck in the planning phase and can’t get words on the page, try pantsing the first few scenes to break the freeze.

So, Which Style Fits You?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, and that’s the beauty of writing. The key is to experiment and figure out what feels right for you. If plotting makes you feel overwhelmed, try pantsing. If pantsing leaves you stuck, try plotting just a little. Your process can evolve with each story you write.

Here are a few questions to help you decide:

Do you enjoy discovering the story as you go? → You might be a pantser.
Do you feel more confident with a plan in place? → You might be a plotter.
Do you want the best of both worlds? → Welcome to the plantser club.

Final Thoughts

As a proud pantser, I’ve learned to embrace the chaos and trust my instincts. But I’ve also picked up a few tools from the plotter world to help me finish strong. Whatever your style, don’t be afraid to try new things, mix approaches, or change it up depending on the project.

Writing is personal. Your style is valid. And most importantly—your story deserves to be told, your way.

Happy Writing ^_^

January 2025, writing-tips

Editing Your Creative Writing: A Guide for All Writers

January 28, 2025March 23, 2025 Sara's Writing Sanctuary

Whether you’re a plotter who plans every detail or a pantser who dives into the unknown, editing is where your story truly comes to life. For some of us, writing the first draft feels like conquering a mountain, but the real magic happens in editing. No matter your writing style, here’s a step-by-step guide to make the process manageable and effective.

Step 1: Take a Step Back

Once you’ve finished your draft, give it some breathing room. It’s tempting to jump straight into edits, but stepping away helps you see the story with fresh eyes. Whether you’re a plotter or a pantser, distance makes it easier to spot what works—and what doesn’t.

Step 2: Read Your Story with Fresh Eyes

When you’re ready to edit, start by reading your draft as if you’re the audience. Don’t fix anything yet—just take notes. Ask yourself:

Does the story flow?
Do the characters feel real and consistent?
Are there any confusing parts?

For Plotters: Compare your draft to your outline. Did you stick to your plan? If not, does the new direction make sense?

For Pantsers: Look for the heart of your story. What themes or ideas stand out? Where does the plot feel solid, and where might it need more work?

Step 3: Start Big

Before diving into sentences or grammar, focus on the big picture:

Plot: Are there any holes or unresolved threads? Does the story’s beginning, middle, and end flow naturally?
Characters: Do they grow and change throughout the story? Are their motivations clear?
Scenes: Does each scene have a purpose? If it doesn’t move the story forward or reveal something important, it might need to be cut or reworked.

For Pantsers: This is a great time to create a reverse outline. Map out what you’ve written to see how everything fits together.

For Plotters: Double-check that your story sticks to your planned structure—or decide if any deviations work better.

Step 4: Fill in the Gaps

Every draft has gaps, whether it’s missing details, unclear motivations, or underdeveloped subplots. Use this stage to strengthen weak areas:

Add scenes or dialogue where necessary.
Deepen emotional moments or relationships.
Clarify any confusing points for the reader.

Step 5: Focus on the Details

Once the story structure feels solid, it’s time to zoom in on the details:

Clarity: Are your sentences clear and easy to follow?
Pacing: Are there parts that drag or feel rushed?
Repetition: Are you overusing certain words or phrases?

This stage is about making your writing shine.

Step 6: Proofread Like a Pro

Finally, it’s time to proofread for grammar, spelling, and typos. Reading your work out loud can help you catch mistakes you might miss otherwise. You can also use tools like spellcheck or ask a friend to review it.

Step 7: Embrace the Process

Editing is hard work, but it’s also rewarding. Whether you’re refining a detailed plan or untangling the threads of a free-flowing draft, each pass brings you closer to the story you want to tell.

Take your time, celebrate your progress, and remember that every writer has their own unique process. Whether you plan everything or discover as you go, your story is yours—and editing will make it shine.

How do you approach editing? I’d love to hear about your process, whether you’re a plotter, pantser, or somewhere in between!

Happy Editing ^_^

About Myself, January 2025

Embracing the Chaos: Life as a Pantser Writer

January 11, 2025April 9, 2025 Sara's Writing Sanctuary

For about five years, I couldn’t write a single word due to struggles with my mental health. It took years to rediscover the inspiration for my writing. Initially, I never planned on publishing, but as time passed, I found so much joy in creating stories that I started to wonder, Why not share them?

Even so, being a pantser writer has its challenges. I’ve always found it difficult to stick to just one project because my mind constantly conjures new ideas for stories. Even now, it seems my brain delights in creating new plots and characters, always keeping me on my toes.

Writing is such a joy, and I love every moment of it, but I’ve come to realize that my stories often reflect pieces of my own struggles. Without intending to, I sometimes weave my personal challenges into the pages. Many of my characters face hardships—whether it’s the pursuit of love, finding the courage to fight for something they believe in, or overcoming inner turmoil. It’s fascinating, even to me, to see how a story or a character’s journey unfolds. Yet, true to my pantser nature, I rarely know how most of my stories will end until I get there. That unpredictability is part of what makes the process so exciting.

As a writer, I currently have about six projects I’m working on, yet none of them have a clear ending in sight. Despite dealing with health issues, I love carving out time and finding inspiration to write. However, inspiration doesn’t always come at convenient moments. It often strikes when I’m at work, driving, or otherwise unable to sit down and write. It makes me wonder how many other writers face similar challenges, whether it’s writer’s block or the frustration of fleeting ideas that seem impossible to capture in the moment.

To combat this, I try to keep a notebook or journal nearby to jot down moments of inspiration before they slip away. One of my current stories actually came from a dream I had. At first, it was just fragments, but as I reflected on it during my waking hours, the story began to take shape. It’s surprising how many places ideas can come from—dreams, conversations, random thoughts, or even the emotions stirred by everyday life. These unexpected sources are what make the process of writing so magical, as they often lead to the stories you never realized you wanted to create.