Chapter 1: The Stigma of Pantsing

As a writer, I've faced my share of one-star reviews on Amazon. While some are merely subjective, others highlight genuine flaws that can be tough to accept. Yet, what can I do? Brush it off and push forward.

Admittedly, I may need to put in more effort than others. For the first time, I'm revealing that I am a dedicated "pantser"—a writer who prefers to create organically rather than outline beforehand. Despite numerous attempts to outline my work, I find myself straying from the plan more often than not. Hence, I've come clean about my pantsing approach.

In my view, there's an unwarranted stigma surrounding this writing method. Traditional education often emphasizes outlining, leaving little room for those who thrive on spontaneity. However, writing should be an organic experience, allowing ideas to flow naturally from the subconscious. It’s a process I find almost magical, despite its unconventional nature.

It's interesting to note the disparity in literature: a quick search on Amazon reveals a mere handful of books dedicated to pantsing, while there are countless resources on outlining. This bias is evident in the writing community. But recently, I've decided to reject this notion.

I’m not just admitting to my pantsing style; I’m celebrating it. If Stephen King can achieve immense success while disregarding strict outlines, perhaps we should all take inspiration from his approach.

In the meantime, I have explored a couple of books on this topic that I believe are worth your attention:

• "Writing into the Dark" by Dean Wesley Smith
• "The Pocket Guide to Pantsing" by M.L. Ronn

These resources can provide valuable insights into embracing the pantsing method.

The video titled "Plotting a Story (for Writers who HATE Plotting)" discusses the creative writing process for those who prefer to write without a strict plan. It emphasizes that spontaneity can lead to unexpected and delightful discoveries in storytelling.

Chapter 2: The Power of Organic Writing