#10 Pantsers and Plotters
When you’re new to a field, there is a bound to be a language barrier. Not with the language you speak per se, but the lingo and words you need to learn. The writing world is no exception. Here are a few examples:
B.I.C. - This isn’t a reference to the popular pen and pencil brand. Oh no. It stands for Butt-In-Chair. Essentially, it’s the commitment required of a writer to put your butt in the chair and write.
Pagination - The process of mapping out where text and illustrations fall on each page. I’ve had so many questions around this lately while working on my manuscript. It helps me to place page breaks while writing, but do I keep the page breaks in while submitting?
Pantser vs Plotter - Terms used to describe writers who work spontaneously (“by the seat of their pants”) versus those who outline and plan their story before writing.
Most people fall somewhere in the middle.
There is no question in my mind though: I am a plotter.
I have spent years working in process improvement, mapping out every step of a process (and loving it). I outline speeches and presentations. I’m not sure if it’s just in my nature or if it was pounded into my brain back in school. Either way, even when it comes to approaching a 500-word children’s picture book, plotting works best for me.
Sometimes I start from the beginning. Other times I start with an ending in mind and work my way backward. Right now, I’m mapping out a manuscript where I’ve been researching, outlining, and doing deep character analysis before I even start drafting. For some people, this would be complete overkill. For me, it’s how I immerse myself in the world and story I’m creating.
During a mingle this past weekend, I showed the group my sticky-note mapping system for the manuscript. People were supportive, some even said they thought it would help them. But to others, I’m sure it seems too confined, too process-driven… maybe less artful.
On the flip side, I have met writers who simply sit down and see what comes out. One middle grade author shared that different scenes and moments come to her separately, and she just trusts that eventually it will all come together. And it does - brilliant!
There’s not a right or wrong way to write. We’re all different and must find our own path. But if you ever feel stuck creatively, it may be worth considering how you naturally function in the rest of your life. Do you tend to map things out and plan ahead? Or do you dive in and adapt to things as they come?
Your answer might offer a glimpse into how you best unlock your own artistic expression. Sometimes, structure is the pathway to creativity.
232 days ago I was involved in a car accident…
It happened while I was back in my hometown for a family member’s wedding. You know when people say, “it all happened so fast” or “I never saw it coming”? That’s exactly how I would describe it.
Without getting too deep into the details: three cars were totaled, one person was seriously injured, and the street was shut down for four hours while the state troopers gathered forensic evidence.
Within a week I was getting calls from insurance companies asking for statements and evidence. They all had one common goal: settle.
Then came the letter from my own insurance company. The damages and injuries could exceed my coverage limits. I should prepare myself for the possibility of a lawsuit.
That letter sat heavy with me for months.
Not only was I trying to process being involved in a serious accident, but I also found myself wondering whether everything my husband and I have worked hard for could suddenly be at risk.
Well-meaning friends and family told me not to worry. That worrying wouldn’t change anything. But the questions still lingered:
→ Would I be sued for a “no fault” accident? Maybe.
→ Should we still consider relocating to Scotland? On hold.
→ Should we travel long term again like we planned? On hold.
→ If I started a new job could my wages be garnished? Maybe.
Then today, I sat down for some B.I.C. time. Remember that fun little acronym from above? I was committed to finally moving my ideas from outline to first draft..
But first, I checked my email.
A settlement had been reached with the insurance company.
“I, [driver] fully and forever release and discharge Natalie Murray…”
It’s over.
For the first time in eight months, I feel like I can finally take a deep breath again.
But still, the accident changed me.
It forced me to reprioritize what and who mattered most in my life. It reminded me how fragile life can be and how quickly things can change. It gave me space to think more honestly about what I want moving forward.
Truthfully, it’s part of the reason I ended up attending that Writers in Residence workshop 10 weeks ago, which kicked off this whole writing journey.
I can’t say for certain this experience is what led me onto the path I’m on now. Maybe I would have found my way here eventually anyway.
But I do know a weight has been lifted.
Now, with a bit more room to dream again, I’m excited to see where this writing journey takes me.
Welcome to Natalie’s Storytime Corner:
→ one human trying to learn the craft of picture books from scratch
→ small victories that feel like parades
→ doubts that arrive uninvited, but stay for tea
→ an unreasonable attachment to talking animals (I blame Beatrix Potter, Maurice Sendak, and the whole Berenstain family to name a few)
→ existential spirals about whether any of this will work
→ moments of stubborn optimism
→ failures, detours, and the occasional SPLAT, BONK, or KERFLUFFLE