Why ‘Pantsing It Write’?

Though I have had a love of writing and fiction from a very young age, it was not until I was in my early thirties that I learned of the distinction between ‘pantsers’ and ‘planners’. It hit me then that I am a pantser: I let the story take me where it wants to go without any sense for what the ending might be. Even in ‘real life’ I have taken each step as it comes. I applied and was accepted to universities before deciding I would take a gap of two years before going to college. I didn’t know until nearly the end of my senior year in college that I would apply to graduate school. I was on track to join the academic ranks before accepting a job to work in industry. At each turn, an opportunity arose and I took it.

Some might argue that it took some rough strokes of planning to get to where I am now. And maybe they’re right, even if I did alter courses many times over. And many would argue that planning does not mean you have everything planned to the last scene. Regardless, when it comes to writing life and my writing career, I have constantly felt like I am making it up as I go. Maybe I won’t be a strict pantser forever. What is the best balance between pantsing and planning, anyway? Maybe I’m really a plantser. I’m figuring that out too.

So, if you’re looking for writing advice, you’ve come to the wrong place. I’m a 30-something, part-time, unpublished writer with a full-time job and a growing family. I can’t tell you how to publish your book or even how to finish it. I may be in the exact same boat as you (or not).

But that’s the point.

I have a passion for writing, for stories, for craft. And I’m pantsing my way through writing as a side gig. Not for the money, but for the sheer joy, love, and agony of writing. In true pantser form, I have embarked on this blogging journey without a clue where it will go next. This is my fly by the seat of my pants approach.