From the pen of Gail Sattler
I'm going to answer another question that has been asked of me by many aspiring writers, and some experienced ones.
Should I outline, or should I just go where the story leads me?
This is a difficult question and the answer is - do whatever works for you. However, now that it's said, we have to carefully consider what results we are trying to acheive, because the results we are striving for will narrow our fields of how we get there.
We have names for these methodologies of outlining or not - Plotster and Pantster. The Plotster is one who writes down and fully outlines their story before they start writing. The Pantster is called that because they write by the seat of their pants and follow where the character is going, as the story progresses. Do not let it be said that Pantsters don't plot, it's just done in a more loose and less planned manner.
Which one is right for you? Honestly, most writers are somewhere in the middle. Most Plotsters I know (myself included) outline the story but leave plenty of room open for flexibility. Most Pantsters I know have an ending sort of planned out, but they don't know how they're going to get there, their characters just do as they go along with the story.
When I sell a book, I'm selling the story before it's written, which means I have to outline the story in my synopsis in order to sell it. Once contracted, I'm obligated to follow the plot I have sold. For me, once it's outlined, it's easier to write because I know where I'm going, why I'm going there, and how I'm going to do it.
For the true Pantsters I know, they have the book full written, then they summarize it down to a synopsis, so when they sell the book, it's all done and all they have to do is touch edit it.
So the bottom line is, either way the story gets written, do what works for you.
And with that, first, happy writing to all!
Gail Sattler
www.gailsattler.com
Gail Sattler is a well known author having published over 30 books with Barbour, Harlequin and Abingdon Press.
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First post
For my first post here, I'd like to welcome you here.
If you're here because you love to read, you've come to a good place to check out many authors and their books. Most writers are avid readers, and welcome comments and questions about reading and writing, and not only their own books. So feel free to email anyone here. You'll be glad you did.
If you're here because you love to write, you've also come to the write/right place. Other authors can share a wealth of knowledge about the craft, and that's what I'd like to do right now.
Many people, both readers and writers, have often asked me, what is the best advice I can give. The answer to that comes to me in a flash. The answer is... Read! Lots! While there is value in the classics, and value in older favorite books, if you are a writer, you need to read books that are current and hot off the shelf. Even then, they're not really all that new in this marketplace, because many of them were contracted up to 2 years before they actually hit the shelf. Keep up with current styles and formats, and pay attention to what experienced authors say and do. If you want to run, first you have to walk, and if you want to write, first you have to read.
And with that, happy reading to all!
Gail Sattler
www.gailsattler.com
Gail Sattler is a well known author having published over 30 books with Barbour, Harlequin and Abingdon Press. |
