Linda McHenry

Category: Craft of Writing

Are You a Pantser, a Plotter, or BOTH?
What do I mean when I ask:
Are you a pantser, a plotter, or both? When you write, do you fly by the seat of your pants, outline all the plot details before hand, or use a combination of both techniques?
I’ve always been a plotter, which was extremely helpful when I wrote my nonfiction book. Also, it helped immeasurably when I developed and wrote hundreds of insurance continuing texts and courses (online, classroom, and webinar). As a novelist, being a plotter has also been helpful. Now, however, I’m writing my first novel on a pure pantsing basis.
Of course, that statement is made tongue-in-cheek because, let’s face it, while the fuel of my fabrications is imagination, if I come up with a great idea for a future line of dialogue or scene I’m definitely writing it down. In a literal sense, even the most devout of pantsers has to engage in SOME plotting!
So, here’s what I’m doing now…
At this moment, I’m thinking it’s absolutely essential for me to know how my book is going to end. Specifically, whether my lead character achieves her goal and how she’s grown and/or become a better person. So, I guess that’s plotting. I also think that if flashes of insight strike me as I’m writing (and they’re doing so), I’ll plan for them by sketching them into a loose outline. That’s also plotting.
But as far as everything else goes, I’m winging it! Definitely pantsing.
I attended a terrific plotting workshop presented by Gayle Lynds at a writer’s conference a couple of years ago and my big takeaway was that plot derives from character. So far, my pantsing/winging is going well.
Yes, I know all the advantages of plotting—I’ve experienced them firsthand. On the other hand, I agree with many others that plotting too much, or too tightly, can sensor creativity and disallow deviations from the path already outlined.
So, are you a pantser, a plotter, or both?
What are your personal experiences? Do you have any tips? Successes? Less than desirable consequences we should know about? Let us know!
As always, here are some resources:
Well-Storied: https://www.well-storied.com/blog/a-pantsers-guide-to-story-structure
Jane Friedman (one of the few people I love without having known/met her): https://janefriedman.com/panster-or-plotter/
Writer’s Digest: https://www.writersdigest.com/whats-new/jan-29
02/10/2025
Writing Exercises
Last week, I mentioned I’ve been dabbling in flash fiction as part of my regular writing exercises. This week, I’m on a roll creating short pieces using prompts. This piece is the quick result of using the following five words/phrases: soccer ball, sidewalk, car, blanket, hot coffee.
At this moment, I’d rather do anything than chase a soccer ball around a field, kicking at opponents and crashing into teammates.
Sidewalks are much more conducive to civilized ambulation than grassy fields are. Who in his right mind wants to dash around beneath the scorching sun–on display like an energetic version of a roasted chicken on a spit at the grocery store? Yes, instead of turning in at the gates, I believe I’ll stroll past the field today and engage in a more cultured form of exercise.
Hmm. Now that I’ve decided to play hooky, I think I’ll bundle myself up in the back seat of a car–complete with a flannel blanket and a cup of hot coffee–and allow myself to be chauffeured to the beach instead.
–Pele, on a bad day
What writing exercises do you use?
07/11/2023
What is Creativity?
What is creativity, you ask? Here’s the best description I’ve heard:
“Creativity can be described as letting go of certainties.”
Gail Sheehy
Enough said. Back to the keyboard…
11/05/2022
Mystery Making with Sisters in Crime New England
Hosted virtually by the Barrington Public Library
Join my writer friends at me at Mystery Making with Sisters in Crime New England. I am (and have always been) active in a number of writers organizations–and never more so than since joining Sisters in Crime New England (SinCNE).
Mystery Making is the brain child of SinCNE. It involves a panel of four writers who create a brand-new mystery novel, on the spot. Members of the audience suggest character names and other story elements for us to use.
In the past, we hosted these events live and in-person, but the virtual events are just as much fun. Join Edith Maxwell, Sarah Smith, Tonya Price, and me on Tuesday, February 10 from 7 to 8 p.m. to plot a mystery!
Registration ends at 9 a.m. on the day of the event, so register now. Visit the Barrington Public Library for more information or to register.
The organization lists future events on its website. My next Mystery Making with Sisters in Crime New England takes place on March 6, along with fellow writers Lisa Lieberman, Lorraine Sharma Nelson, and Tonya Price. Join us at the Florida Gulf Coast Sisters in Crime Southwest Florida Reading Festival.
01/16/2021
Want to help Make a Mystery?
Join me and fellow mystery writers Debra H. Goldstein, Tilia Klebenov Jacobs, and Clea Simon brainstorm together to create a brand new mystery. Give us your audience suggestions and help make a mystery!
The Lucius Beebe Memorial Library in Wakefield, MA hosts the event in coordination with Sisters in Crime New England. In the past, we presented these events in person but haven’t let the pandemic slow us down. Help make a mystery by registering and logging in on the date of the event. Then, once we begin, simply suggest character names, murder plots, settings. Feel free to suggest anything else that adds to the fun!
A maximum of 50 people can attend and the cost is $0, so register now. Click this URL to register: https://wakefieldlibrary.assabetinteractive.com/calendar/mystery-making-with-sisters-in-crime-new-england/
Click here to learn more about my writing events.
I participate in many of these mystery makings throughout the year. I also appear at other events such as book signings, author panels, and author interviews. Stay tuned for my next two books in the upcoming months. The second edition of Second Time Around will be available and a new book, co-written with author Herb Holeman is waiting for a publication date.
10/10/2020