Confusing Method with Product

[scribblemyname]

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"

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

Comments

[thecatisacritic.livejournal.com]

I think I'm glad I haven't seen too much of the criticism against writing that way. I have enough issues without adding that into it. I believe in letting the characters decide the story and lose interest if Leonie-too much out. I may not be the most secure writer, but I still think my forty stories proves that the method works.

[scribblemyname]

It's a pain to deal with such illogic. I'm glad you haven't had to.

[thecatisacritic.livejournal.com]

I am not as involved in writer community and read very little about it, which is why I have avoided it.

I think plenty would blame my method for my other issues, though.

[thecatisacritic.livejournal.com]

I don't read the blogs and am really not part of the writer community, so I can avoid it, though I think from what that post said they word blame my method for my other issues.

[scribblemyname]

Not all do. It's just there's a lot of mudslinging in any profession and occasionally I feel a need to point out that there's a middle ground, people, and most people are in it.

[thecatisacritic.livejournal.com]

Yeah.