Every writer has their own modus operandi when they begin a new project. Since my artistic abilities are rather lacking, I like to create a vision board. I browse magazines, scavenge for items in nature, snap photos, rifle through old family albums, and clip words of inspiration to pin to a wall in MY SPACE.
The somewhat odd collection reflects the setting, the mood, and circumstances that influence my cast of characters. A glance at the wall motivates me during the dry spells or keeps me going when I’m on a roll.
I am not a plotter, not yet anyway, so I need all the help I can get. Although I do plan ahead in fits and spurts, by definition I am more of a pantser – one who flies by the seat of her pants. I’ll have an idea for a story, an intriguing first line, or a title and start to write. Most often I think I know my characters – their wants, needs, and wounds – but then they take over and throw me off a cliff instead of the other way around. The twists and turns they take leave me gripping my head shouting, why didn’t I think of that?
Well, silly woman. You did!
Of course, these incidents are opportune moments to plot and plan a new direction, which I do. So would that make me more of a Pants-a-Plot? In any case, it works for a time, but eventually leaves me wailing at the wall again, Now what?
For one current work-in-progress, a contemporary middle grade Grimm’s fairy tale-ish tale, sometimes the answer twinkles from an ancestors eyes, peeks from the cracks between a ramshackle cottage’s worn floorboards, or bobs in a rushing river. Other times there is silence. Dead silence. Until the ticking clock or a bit of birdsong drifting through an open window reminds me to turn to these generous words of encouragement David Sedaris wrote in my copy of Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk:
If David Sedaris could have faith in my ability to tell a tale after a three minute chat about the adventures of a 13th century chicken, maybe I should too.
A bit of encouragement goes a long way. Otherwise I’d have given up years ago.
You’ve got this people. Whatever this is!
Be Well
❤ and thank you for stopping by ❤
P.S. to my writer readers – I’m curious…
Are you a plotter, a pantser, or
a Pants-a-Plot like me?
Donna Gwinnell Lambo-Weidner 
Good for you!! Keep up the good work – with or without pants-a-plot.:)
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Thanks Vic! And thank you for all your encouragement too ❤
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I’m definitely a “pants-a-plot.” LOL I think. I write all over the place – scene here, scene there. I usually find a photo for each of my characters on either Dreamstime.com or iStock so it’s easier to visualise them. I found an absolutely perfect photo for my book’s main character – so perfect it was identical to how I described her in one scene.
https://www.istockphoto.com/photo/girl-on-train-looking-through-window-gm479511085-33651894
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I love it when that happens. I once met one of my characters at a retreat. She looked exactly like I had imagined her AND had the SAME NAME. Not an everyday kind of name either…Azzmina 🙂 Be well dear Lyn. And I can hardly wait to meet your girl on the train ❤
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Oooh that must have been fun! How amazing was that. 💜
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I’m 90% panther. When I get stuck I “reverse plot” to figure out what I’ve done so far and what might come next. Probably not the most efficient process but it works. Lucky you to have David Sedaris on your side. Wow!
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I do that too, Susanne. The see-saw effect. Hey…whatever gets you past the finish line. Right? Be well ❤
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Beautiful <3. You know my way 🙂
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❤
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Great post Donna! I tried life as a plotter, but seem to always end up a pantser.
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Pantsers United ❤ it!
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David Sedaris was right: you have a great sense of humor. I’m not surprised he enjoyed it even in your brief talk. I am definitely a pantser, though I did plot out a mystery I have yet to write….
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Thank you, Ellen. And I do love a mystery. Looking forward to it!
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