Confusing Method with Product

There are many issues that have me gnashing my teeth that people frequently confuse method with product, process with result. This is one excellent addressing of issue #14 or so of that peeve list.

If we understand story structure and can apply that knowledge, any drafting method could potentially work for us. With that skill under our belt, we can focus on the method that enables our writing to exhibit smooth story flow, natural dialogue, deep characterization, etc.

Some will find that plotting works for them, while others will discover that pantsing keeps them in touch with their muse-subconscious. For pantsers, stories will sometimes almost write themselves, right down to subtext, foreshadowing, subplots, character arcs, and themes.

Insinuating that writers should change their methods with insults or assumptions doesn’t solve an author’s underlying issues with structure. Pantsing isn’t broken or wrong if it works for you.

— Jami Gold, "In Defense of Pantsing"

Download article as PDF

Originally published at Liana Mir. You can comment here or there.