Comments on: A Pantser’s Guide to Turning Rough to Ready in one Pass

By: Wendy McCance

Wendy McCance — Tue, 30 Jan 2018 19:27:07 +0000

Thank you so much for sharing your process. As I work on my first book, information like this is has been invaluable. Sounds like I might actually be on the right track.

By: Mary Ann Marlowe

Mary Ann Marlowe — Tue, 16 Jan 2018 19:09:24 +0000

In reply to Alison Morton. You are playing three-dimensional chess!

By: Alison Morton

Alison Morton — Sun, 14 Jan 2018 08:01:58 +0000

I am a 15% planner, 85% pantser. I scribble out 30 linesof framework which sets my brain going. But after each ‘pantsing’ writing session, I jot down brief notes about what happened in each scene in a Word table and so build up an index as I go along. An invaluable tool when it comes to that first self-edit.

By: Mary Ann Marlowe

Mary Ann Marlowe — Mon, 18 Dec 2017 18:45:55 +0000

In reply to Pamela.

Pamela,
You sound like me. I don’t know what it is about plotting that kills a book for me, but whatever I plan is precisely what I won’t write. After it’s done though, I need organization to figure out how to tackle a revision.

Rock on!

Mary Ann

By: Pamela

Pamela — Thu, 14 Dec 2017 16:32:52 +0000

This is a helpful article. I’m amazed that I’m a pantser when writing because I’m ridiculously organised when it comes to everything else in life. I just find note cards and plot lines and any other device restricting when I write, and it gives me writer’s block. I can’t write a word if I have something planned on paper or screen. I plan, but only in my head. Your system sounds very good though, and I use Excel sheets with the traffic light system for practically everything else, so it should work with writing too.

A Crazy Kind of Love also sounds like an excellent read as I’m fond of rock stars myself!

By: Mary Ann Marlowe

Mary Ann Marlowe — Mon, 04 Dec 2017 01:15:46 +0000

In reply to Nancy E Turner.

Nancy,
You’re proof that we can get by without starting with the most detailed plans. Congrats on all your success at St. Martin’s! One of my friends described our way of writing as “outlining in long form.” We get to the same place, but with a lot more feeling around in the dark. Maybe one day, I’ll figure out how to bullet point a novel before I begin, but so far, all my plans mock me.

Good luck with all your writing.

By: Nancy E Turner

Nancy E Turner — Wed, 29 Nov 2017 14:46:11 +0000

Great article! I do this but I’ve never seen it all laid out sensibly the way you have done. Thanks. Guess I’m a pantser too. I always said I was an English teacher’s worst nightmare. Never, ever had any luck with outlines or “brainstorm” approach. Got my sixth novel sold to St. Martin’s Press, however.