Over the summer I’ve been listening to the Books, Beach & Beyond podcast, where all kinds of writers are interviewed about their journey to where they are now, what they write, how they write, and why they write.
I love it.
A question the hosts often ask is this one: Are you a plotter (plans out everything in detail before they start writing), or a pantser (starts with an idea and lets it unfold as they go)?
The answers vary hugely. Both types exist and are successful - there’s no right way or best way - but they definitely know which one they are.
It feels like this question is useful in so many more contexts! How do we like to approach the story of our lives? Our work? Our play?
Some of us are more plotter - we like to map out the journey before we set off. It gives us a sense of safety and confidence to know where we’re going.
Some of us are more pantser - we have a start and end point, but are flexible on the journey. It helps us to experiment our way forward, learning and adjusting as we go.
I’m realising that I was trained to be a plotter throughout my career. To create a 5-year plan, to forecast and map out each section of the journey, to figure it out first and then execute it. This has felt like the way to do things for a long time - and part of me will always be a project manager!
However, more and more I’m embracing being a pantser. I know where I am, I have a sense of where I’d like to go, and I have a filter to make decisions about direction along the way. How can I possibly know what the journey will look like?
So, are you more plotter or more pantser?
Does it depend on the situation or the circumstances?
And how does knowing your approach help you figure out how to write the story of your life?
Wishing you all a week of enjoying this chapter of your life,
