PhoebeJaneWrites

For many years as a writer, I was what most people would call a “Pantser.” There were no outlines, or character charts for me. I wrote by the seat of my pants. Once I had a good idea, I would just start writing. When I learned of writing software like, Scrivener, my writing life changed completely. No longer did I have to write in a linear fashion. I could start on chapter one or chapter ten.

This all fed my pantser method of work. One such novel (Carriers of Light) was my first full on pantser attempt at a novel. Although, it is of decent length it is not finished. The key reason why? I ran out of steam and put the novel down. When I picked it up a year later, I found that I had forgotten what I was doing. There were characters who I named but did not take the time to truly flesh out and I had not idea of who they were meant to be and how they would contribute to my story. In short, I had no idea of how to proceed with the novel.

It has been several years since I decided to take writing seriously and in that time I have learned that for me (I can only speak for myself as a writer) to be successful, I need to be better organized. It was time that I transitioned from a Pantser into a Planner. Some Planners have detailed outlines that they follow when they work on their novels. Others have scheduled writing sessions with minimum word counts that they reach for each session. The Office of Letters & Light (the non-profit organization that sponsors NaNoWriMo) has made available different forms, booklets and worksheets that are a planner’s dream. Does this mean that as a newly converted Planner I will now have worksheets completed, detailed lists and other pages upon pages of notes ready at the start of National Novel Writing Month?

Not exactly, but it does mean that I will have notes on my plot and a running list of characters and vocabulary as it relates to my novel.

…and my notes may be organized on One Note.

In folders.

….I have become one of them…

Some writers swear by pantsing. They thrive on the empty page and the flowing thoughts that they arrange as they arrive. To those mighty writers I say fly on.

However, I have become extremely busy in my attempts to transcend the typical 9-5 life (translation: I will not work a desk for the rest of my life not doing what I love). I study programming, manage projects, read, prepare for the PMP exam, and a slew of other things while I run races and live life. When those novel ideas filter through my thoughts its best that I identify, capture and file them away immediately. Plot elements can be elusive and I need every bit of my story if I am to finish this novel in a month.

Tomorrow marks the end of October and is the final day before NaNo. In addition to doing more prep than I have done in any years past, I have decided that I will try my best to blog my novel writing experience. This may cause me to fall flat on my face as time spent on posts could be spent on my novel. Then again, maybe the extra task will force me to be even more disciplined in my writing.

I invite you to follow me on this challenge as I have never been more determined to complete a novel in one month.

To all my fellow scribes: Write On!