The creative process varies greatly among writers. Some adopt a meticulous approach, crafting detailed outlines that dictate every chapter before the actual writing begins.
Others favour a more organic method, delving into the narrative with only a vague idea in mind. This latter practice, commonly known as ‘pantsing’—writing by the seat of one’s pants—relies on intuition and discovery as the story unfolds.
While this technique can lead to unexpectedly rich character development and plot twists, it also presents distinct challenges. By critically examining the strengths and weaknesses of pantsing, writers can better understand when and how to employ this approach effectively.
Defining the Pantsing Approach
Pantsing, at its core, rejects rigid structures in favour of exploratory writing. Instead of pre-determined plot points, the narrative evolves organically, shaped by the writer’s impulses and the characters’ evolving decisions. This can result in:
Nuanced, unpredictable character arcs that reflect genuine emotional growth.
Plot developments that emerge naturally, rather than feeling contrived or forced.
A dynamic and spontaneous writing experience that sustains creative enthusiasm.
However, the inherent flexibility of pantsing can also lead to potential pitfalls. Without a clear blueprint, narratives may lose focus, inconsistencies may arise, and the task of revision can become more complex and time-intensive.
Optimal Contexts for Pantsing
1. Character-Driven Narratives
Pantsing often excels when the primary focus is on character exploration rather than plot mechanics. In character-driven stories, protagonists and supporting characters naturally steer the narrative. As their personalities, desires, and conflicts develop, the story’s trajectory becomes a reflection of their organic growth. This approach can produce more authentic character dynamics, as the writer is not confined by pre-set plot constraints.
2. Embracing Creative Discovery
For writers who find that extensive outlining stifles their creativity, pantsing provides a liberating alternative. By allowing the story to unfold in the moment, writers can experience the same sense of discovery as their readers. This spontaneity often leads to surprising plot turns and fresh ideas that might not have emerged from a structured outline.
3. Generating a Preliminary Draft
Some authors use pantsing as a tool for quickly producing a first draft. By focusing on generating content rather than perfecting each scene, they can bypass the paralysis of over-planning. The resulting draft, though rough, serves as a foundational layer that can be refined in subsequent revisions. This method can be particularly effective for overcoming writer’s block and maintaining momentum.
Methodological Considerations
While pantsing avoids strict outlines, it does not preclude thoughtful preparation or strategic adjustments. Writers can enhance their pantsing process by:
Establishing a Central Premise: Even in the absence of a detailed outline, a clear understanding of the story’s core conflict or theme provides direction and coherence.
Maintaining a Running Log: Tracking key events, character traits, and emerging themes as they occur helps prevent inconsistencies. This log becomes a reference point that ensures continuity and supports future revisions.
Embracing Iterative Revision: Pantsing often results in drafts that require significant reworking. Accepting that revisions will be more substantial allows the writer to fully commit to exploratory writing, knowing that refinement will come later.
Adjusting as Needed: Although pantsing prioritises spontaneity, it’s important to remain flexible. If a narrative direction feels unsustainable or uninteresting, taking a step back to re-evaluate the story’s trajectory can prevent prolonged stagnation.
Addressing the Challenges of Pantsing
Pantsing is not without its difficulties, and recognising these can help mitigate potential drawbacks:
Avoiding Narrative Drift: Without an outline, the story can meander. To counter this, periodically reassess the narrative’s progression. Asking whether each scene advances the plot or deepens character development ensures that the story remains purposeful.
Managing Pacing Issues: Spontaneity can lead to uneven pacing, with some sections overly dense and others too sparse. Reading the draft aloud or sharing it with trusted peers can highlight areas where the narrative’s rhythm needs adjustment.
Anticipating Extensive Rewrites: The organic nature of pantsing often results in sections that need significant restructuring. Recognising this from the outset allows writers to approach revisions with a constructive mindset, viewing them as a natural extension of the creative process.
Critical Reflection on Pantsing’s Viability
Pantsing is not inherently superior or inferior to outlining; it is simply a different approach that suits certain contexts and writing styles. For stories deeply rooted in character psychology or for writers who thrive on creative spontaneity, pantsing can be an invaluable method. However, it demands a willingness to embrace uncertainty, to invest time in thorough revision, and to trust the story’s organic evolution.
By examining the conditions under which pantsing succeeds, writers can make informed decisions about when to employ this technique. Whether as a primary method or as a supplementary approach to brainstorming and first drafts, pantsing offers a unique avenue for exploration, discovery, and creative growth.
Adding Depth to Pantsing
Collaboration and Feedback: While pantsing often focuses on solitary, instinctive writing, incorporating early feedback from trusted readers or writing groups can provide invaluable perspectives. These insights help identify emerging patterns, inconsistencies, and potential narrative pitfalls, enabling a more refined development process.
Testing Variations: When pantsing, it’s worth experimenting with different starting points. For instance, beginning with a character’s dilemma rather than a world-building framework can lead to more immediate engagement. Similarly, starting in media res—plunging directly into the action—can create a sense of urgency that propels the narrative forward.
Balancing Discovery with Constraints: Although pantsing eschews traditional outlines, setting loose parameters can guide the creative process without stifling it. These might include establishing a thematic focus, identifying key emotional beats, or setting rough milestones for character growth. These soft constraints provide a framework that supports organic storytelling while maintaining narrative coherence.
Revisiting Earlier Sections: As the story evolves, returning to earlier chapters allows writers to layer in foreshadowing and deepen character motivations. Pantsing often results in a more fluid draft, and revisiting these initial sections ensures that the overall narrative remains cohesive and thematically aligned.
Continuous Skill Development: Pantsing benefits from a writer’s ongoing development in areas like dialogue, descriptive imagery, and pacing. Enhancing these foundational skills through practice and study ensures that the spontaneous, unplanned elements of the story are expressed with greater precision and impact.
By integrating these additional strategies, pantsing becomes a more robust and versatile approach, capable of yielding complex, engaging narratives that resonate with readers on multiple levels. Whether viewed as an intuitive method for crafting raw drafts or as a complementary approach within a writer’s broader repertoire, pantsing offers unique opportunities for creativity and discovery.
