Monday, January 25, 2016

The Vacation Route to Completing a Novel

The Vacation Route to Completing a Novel
by Terry W. Ervin II

Just about every writer, and a good number of readers, know one way to categorize writers is Pantsters vs. Plotters. A ‘pantster’ just sits down and writes their novel, not knowing what happens next, until they reach the end of the story. A ‘plotter’ outlines or plans their book and uses that as a guide while writing the novel, from beginning to the end of the story. Of course, the division isn’t as black and white as that. For example, the degree to which an author plans or outlines their novels varies greatly.

After Relic Tech comes this!
In any case, this article isn’t intended to discuss which method is superior, or should be used, because, in truth, there isn’t any single ‘right way’ to write a novel. What works for one author may or may not be efficient or effective for another. Anyone who believes there is only one ‘right way’ is, well, wrong. Otherwise, every successful author would use the exact same writing process—which they don’t.

What I am going to share is what works for me, and has worked for a number of writers that have struggled in the past…either ‘pantstering’ and writing themselves into a corner, or leaving a jumbled, rambling storyline with plot holes and tangents galore—something unmanageable to work with. Or the writers that can’t get beyond the outlining stage. And, if the outlining authors do, they can’t transition that outline into a compelling story.

Places to visit
I think of the way I outline and plan a novel before writing it as similar to planning a road trip for a vacation. For a vacation, you plan out a route to your ultimate destination. You plan where you intend to stop and visit along the way. How long the stop will be and what sights will be seen. As with any vacation, there will be detours and unexpected sights to see. Some anticipated stops will be shortened or bypassed all together. Some stretches of road will take longer than anticipated, with construction or crowded bottlenecks. Other sections will breeze by faster than anticipated. Still, along the way, even on the road, there are things to see and experience.

Just as with the vacation road trip, I plan out my novel, from the starting point to the final destination—how it will end. I identify major plot points or events along the way (major places to stop and visit). While I have an idea how long it will take to write certain scenes containing the various plot events, sometimes it takes more words (stay there longer). Sometimes I write something unanticipated (stop at an unanticipated destination along the way) and sometimes I eliminate something from the plot (bypassing a planned stop along the way).


The thing is, an outline isn’t written in stone, just as vacation plans shouldn’t be. The flexibility allows the story to grow and become more interesting along the way. Me? I plan in a spiral notebook, taking up about fifteen pages. I jot down relevant events, bits of interesting dialogue or places or characters to be introduced, things like that. With two novels, I transferred the handwritten version to a Word document. This makes it easier to add or delete information, as opposed to adding new ideas in a different color pen or crossing things out. See, that outline is dynamic, and as ideas strike me over the course of writing, I have an organized place to jot (or type) them as they come to me.

You are here
Another hidden benefit is that I don’t get writer’s block. Why not? I know exactly which mile marker (event within the plot outline) I am at, and what mile marker (plot destination) I am traveling (writing) towards. At least that is how writing has worked out for me.

So, if you’re a writer that struggles to start, or efficiently finish, a novel, whether you’re a pantster or a plotter, consider giving my method a try. Modify it to your needs and writing style (some authors use index cards or spread sheets). If you’re an avid reader who thinks you might have a good novel inside of you…consider starting out with this method to organize that novel (or novella or short story) so that it can be written.



About Terry:
Terry W. Ervin II is an English and science teacher who enjoys writing fantasy and science fiction. His First Civilization’s Legacy Series (fantasy) includes Flank Hawk, Blood Sword, and Soul Forge.

The Crax War Chronicles, his science fiction series, includes Relic Tech and Relic Hunted (his most recent release from Gryphonwood Press).

In addition to writing novels, Terry’s short stories have appeared in over a dozen anthologies, magazines and ezines. Genre Shotgun is a collection containing all of his previously published short stories.

To contact Terry or learn more about his writing endeavors, visit his website at www.ervin-author.com and his blog, Up Around the Corner at uparoundthecorner.blogspot.com

Check here for all of Terry's books!

14 comments:

  1. Nice share. I like the comparison to vacation planning. It's also a great reminder that the trip should be enjoyable! I started out a panster, but I've noticed myself involving into a plotter. Part of that is because I started writing mysteries. In a mystery, you really DO have to know where you are going.

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    1. Elizabeth Varadan,
      Thanks for reading. Many successful authors I know have moved toward plotting, but I do recall sitting on panels at conventions with a successful authors also stating they never plot or plan.

      I think whatever works best for the individual author to create the best stories for readers. Nevertheless, I believe plotting is more efficient time-wise, yet for some it would stifle their creativity.

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  2. Sounds like it works for you. I can't outline before I start. If I know where the story is going to go, I can't write it because I already know where the story is going to go so why bother? I like the story to unfold as I write. But I do think I end up revising more as a result...

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    1. Kate Larkindale,
      Thanks for reading. Yes, everyone has to do what works for them. As to your question...about if you already know where the story is going, why bother? For me, I'm writing the story for the reader, not really for myself. Even if I know the ending as I am writing, they won't as they're reading.

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  3. That explains things! I pants my vacations too. :-D Hi Jeff!

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  4. Ha! I pants my vacations too. Though I think that has more to do with my father and his clipboard planed out to 15 minute intervals. :) I've tried doing something similar to yours and it put me off the book for over six months. But, now I know my method.

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    1. Planned out to 15 minute increments. Wow!
      Glad you found your method, S.P. Bowers.

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  5. I started out thinking that I was a plotter, but now I realize I'm somewhere in between a plotter and pantster. A plotster. Or maybe a panter. No matter how much I plot out ahead of time, as soon as I begin writing, I either come up with new ideas for the story, or I realize there's a problem with the ones I already have, so after pantsing around for a while, I go back to the outline and revise it. then I pants again, then plot... ad infinitum. Chaotic, perhaps, but it works for me.

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    1. I've heard of the term 'plotster' but never a 'panter' :)

      I do revision (altering or skipping plot events, or adding) as I go, but not to the extent you do, Chemist Ken. "Chaotic" effort blossoms in a completed novel. Nothing wrong with that.

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  6. I plan to pants my vacations- as soon as I don't have four other humans I am responsible for...well, five if you count their dad, and you may as well because he never remembers to pack his clothes.

    Best of luck Terry!

    Hi Jeff!!

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    1. Thanks for the good wishes...and good luck with the vacations, hoping their enjoyable and memorable, whichever method of prep (if any) you utilize, Elizabeth Seckman!

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  7. I am a pantser but sometimes I write some notes and Susan Quinn had a method on her blog last year that helped me quickly plan out a few of my WIPS. I can't be a full on outline person, the last time I outlined an entire book I lost interest and never wrote a single word towards the actual book. You gave some great pointers Terry and congrats on your latest book.

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