How to Write a Novel as a Plotter (Without Getting Stuck)

In the previous post, we talked about the pantsing approach to writing—what it is, why it works, and what to do when it doesn’t.

But if sitting in front of a blank page sounds like more anxiety than fun, plotting might be the better writing approach for you.

If you’re new to plotting, wondering if it might work for you, or find it challenging, this guide will help you understand what plotting is and how to use it to write your book.

In today’s post, we’ll look at:

1. What is Plotting?

2. Why write using this method?

3. When plotting doesn’t work?

4. What to do about it?

Let’s dive in.

What is a Plotter or a Pantser?

Unlike the messy and spontaneous writing style called Pantsing, Plotting implies… well… a plot. It means that before you sit down to actually write, you take time to make some plans, decide what you’re writing about, and figure out the character names, motivations, and events to take place in your novel.

If you’re reading this and thinking, “This is great!” You’re right, there are many great benefits to plotting.

Benefits of Plotting for Writers

If one of the main risks related to pantsing is getting stuck and not knowing what to write next, fear no more. The plotting approach to writing removes this potential risk by forcing you to plan ahead.

When you have a plan, you always know what is supposed to happen next—the delicate, complex, and at times challenging work of planning was already done, the potential issues, risks, and plot holes were considered, avoided, and resolved. Now, all that’s left for you to do as the writer is focus on what you most want to do: write.

Sure, connecting the dots and turning high-level plots into detailed scenes isn’t a piece of cake, but at least you know where your story is headed.

Not only that, but doing the planning in advance can help you maintain a high-level view of your story. High-level plans are good to keep track of events and facts, and consequently, identify plot-holes in advance (because it’s easy to forget that your protagonist is allergic to balloons when you’re deeply invested in that scene with them buying one for their pet bunny).

When Plotting Doesn’t Work

While plotting can help you with structure and ensure your story is plot-hole-free, we should acknowledge that it can be a difficult and time-consuming process.

At times, the investment required to plot can make you feel overwhelmed or even stop you altogether.

You might have a great idea for the first chapter, but have a hard time deciding how the story ends, or you find plot holes that are too complex to resolve. Sometimes those obstacles force you to rethink your story altogether, which can get pretty frustrating. What’s more, you might get stuck figuring things out down to the last details, never getting to writing in the first place.

How to Make Plotting Work

Have you ever been told as a child that appetite comes with food?

Well, it’s often the same with writing.

You might feel stuck plotting, but once you start writing, even if you only have enough material for one paragraph, ideas often start to flow. Sometimes characters do write themselves, and some events or characters take a different shape than you originally envisioned. Some ideas are just better after you’ve had time to process them and get more involved in the story.

So if classic pantsing asks you not to plot at all, a good solution for a stuck plotter might be plotting only as far as inspiration takes you, and once you get stuck, try writing for a bit—follow your own plan even if you don’t have a destination in mind yet, and see if that helps generate more ideas.

Final Thoughts

Plotting is the more grounded, serious, and meticulous counterpart of the two styles of writing. It can be a lot of work, but it can also mean a more sound and solid idea. It can prevent unnecessary re-work and the option of getting stuck. But it can also lead to option paralysis, getting stuck in the weeds, and never beginning to write.

An approach that might help writers who want to try plotting but don’t want to postpone writing too much, or are prone to overthinking, is plotting, but not too far ahead.

This way, you get both a plan that helps you move forward, avoid plot holes, and prevents you from getting stuck, while getting to the fun part sooner, and letting yourself figure some things out when you know more about your own story.

I actually wrote a book on how to do that here.

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