Ask Jerry
“pantsers”
Asked by A Linda Perry on February 14, 2020
I've listened to a couple of the videos, and I'm not sure what a pantser is? Could you explain or define. Thanks much. I love the questions and answers, especially the answers.
Jerry's Answer
Pantsers, as opposed to Outliners, write by the seat of their pants without plotting or outlining first. Stephen King is the prime example of a Pantser, advising, "Put interesting characters in difficult situations and write to find out what happens."
Writers are usually one or the other, but some become a little of both, or Hybrids. Outliners often wish they were Pantsers, and as a Pantser, I can tell you we often long to be Outliners. We figure Outliners always have that safety net of knowing where they're headed. But when we start outlining, we get antsy and have to start writing.
Neither is better than the other. You must use whichever approach feels right to you.