Understanding your writing style is essential as it can greatly influence both your productivity and the pleasure you get from writing. When writers operate in a way that aligns with how their brains work, writing feels more natural and sustainable. That confidence shows in the work—and makes the writing habit easier to maintain.
Every writer is different, but determining whether you’re a plotter, pantser, or plantser can help you tailor your writing (and editing) routine, set realistic goals, and find techniques that work best for you.
So which type of writer are you?
Identify Your Writing Style
To determine your writing style, ask yourself the following questions:
- Do you feel more comfortable developing a detailed outline before you start writing? If so, you're a Plotter.
- Do you prefer to start writing without a clear plan and see where the story takes you? Then you're a Pantser.
- Do you like having a basic outline but enjoy filling in the details as you go? That makes you a Plantser.
Read on to learn more about each writing style, and how you can adapt your approach to best suit your style and strengths.
The Plotter: The Story Architect
Plotters are often seen as the architects of storytelling. They're known for carefully planning every aspect of their story before they even start writing, and may experience writer's block if they don't have a roadmap.
This style can be incredibly effective for complex stories with detailed plots and multiple characters.
Character Traits:
- Thrives on organization and predictability, and craves structure
- Aims to be able to foresee the entire narrative arc from the beginning
Methods:
- Creating detailed outlines, character sketches, and world-building notes
- Planting hints and foreshadowing throughout the story that will pay off later
Strategies to Adapt Your Writing Approach:
-
Create loose outlines that allow for creative surprises
-
Consider your first drafts as possibilities for exploration instead of final versions
-
Embrace potential plot surprises as opportunities, not disruptions
The Pantser: The Free Spirit
Just as it sounds…Pantsers write by the seat of their pants. They jump into writing without a specific plan, letting the story develop naturally. This approach can lead to unexpected twists and turns, making the writing process an exciting adventure. However, pantsers may tend to freeze when/if their story loses direction.
Character Traits:
- Likes having the freedom to change the plot and/or characters at any time
- Excels through creative instinct and responsive storytelling approaches
- Relying on intuition, letting the characters guide the narrative
- Viewing writing as a process of discovery rather than a blueprint
Strategies to Adapt Your Writing Approach:
- Use lightweight outlining techniques that don't constrain creativity
- Use digital tools for easy note-taking and idea tracking
- Practice plot mapping after initial drafts
The Plantser: The Best of Both Worlds
Plantsers combine elements of both plotting and pantsing. They might start with a loose outline or a few key plot points but leave plenty of room for improvisation. This hybrid approach allows plantsers to enjoy the structure of plotting while also embracing the creative freedom of pantsing.
Character Traits:
- Values both creative exploration and structure
- Flexible in narrative problem-solving
Methods:
-
Leaving space for organic character growth
-
Planning is considered as an evolving, ongoing process
Strategies to Adapt Your Writing Approach:
- Create a skeletal framework for your story, but leave the details open for exploration
- Develop plot outlines in stages, allowing yourself to follow a plan, but remaining open for change and new ideas
- This flexibility can help you stay on track while also keeping the writing process fresh and dynamic.
Tips for Embracing and Enhancing Your Writing Style
1. For Plotters: Use tools like storyboarding software or index cards to keep your outline organized. Don’t be afraid to adjust your plan as new ideas come up.
2. For Pantsers: Keep a journal or notes app handy to jot down spontaneous ideas. Welcome the unpredictability and trust your creative instincts.
3. For Plantsers: Create a flexible outline that can evolve as your story progresses. Balance planning with the freedom to explore new directions.
Regardless of your style, remember that the most important thing is to keep writing. Embrace your unique approach and continuously seek ways to improve and enjoy the art of storytelling.
Keep in mind: Knowing if you're a plotter, pantser, or plantser isn't about labeling yourself—it’s about celebrating your strengths and finding strategies that help you reach your creative goals.
