Plotting a Story (for Writers who HATE Plotting)

[@AbbieEmmons]

*Are you a plotter or a pantser?* 👇

[@noonebossesthegarnet2890]

Not sure :’)

[@shanthi4855]

Pantser😅 but I've been trying outline more often

[@chimwekele7936]

Pantser. I'm not quite sure, though.

[@Kate.Murray]

I’m a big fan

[@emxry]

Bit of both,really

[@BetweenSunAndMoon]

My problem is that knowing every plot point beforehand makes me not want to write the story anymore, because I already know exactly what's going to happen and what my characters will do. Where's the fun in that? I've had multiple stories I was passionate about that I immediately lost interest in after I outlined them. That's why pantsing is also called discovery writing: because you get to discover your story and characters as you write them.

[@happinesss2]

Yeah I'm kind of the same... I start thinking of writing as an assignment to get to the next plot point and it seems too... structural and mechanical at that point. I like to get carried away by the voice and character. And I find more fun and joy in that style, and I think that's fine. Maybe I won't ever get published this way? But I think everyone has a different style, too. Like maybe I can do a quick draft zero and then from there organize the structure better through a clearer outline based on what I've already pantsed... and it'll be a crap first draft but I have to be okay with that! :)

[@deekshab9417]

Same. It also gets tedious for me because then I'm so impatient about the story reaching a pre designed plot point. And it takes away the surprise

[@EmilyE96]

100% with you here. The thing that I realise is that I like solving the mystery of the story as I write and there's something so authentic about doing it on the fly, really getting that first reaction of the character and living it with them. As you said, if I plan it instead it's like ruining a plot twist for myself. I can never seem to tap into that genuine reaction if it's been pre-plotted.

[@kyra3918]

Same, totally same, my problem is I have tons of plots but no thrill to write the stories. I wanted to write them so bad but ughh

[@reveoncelink6133]

This. This is me. Oh my god, yes! I really feel myself losing when I already know what's going to happen next. I seriously want MYSELF to recognize the next step and get creative!

[@renelznicolas8659]

Random fact you didn't ask for: in Spanish, a pantser is called a "compass writer" and an outliner would be a "map writer" :)

[@happinesss2]

wow I love that!

[@ashlynmccathy1825]

Me encanta ❤️

[@Alexa-eo4tf]

Como se diría eso en español?

[@renelznicolas8659]

@@Alexa-eo4tf Escritor de brújula y escritor de mapa

[@Alexa-eo4tf]

@@renelznicolas8659 Oooh!Genial !gracias por la traduccion😊

[@meilynwoods8262]

I used to be a pantser but now I'm in the middle. I need to know where I'm going but I like the freedom of just writing.

[@NinjaPenguin1108]

Same except I started out by feeling like I had to plan EVERYTHING. Now I'm more relaxed and I kinda write what I feel like writing at the moment

[@xtonibx5770]

If you're somewhere in the middle then loose outlining could be good for you. You can probably put some major scenes in order, have a central beginning, middle, and ending in mind. The outlining process can be as rigid or as loose and free as you want it to be.

[@davidmarshall8166]

@@xtonibx5770 Absolutely, and this is what I do. As I said on another conversation thread about this video, you put in the work on one side of the process or the other. You'll either do the work on the front end with outlining or on the back end in revision. Regardless of the process, nothing takes the place of a butt in a seat actively writing.

[@workinprogress3329]

Same 💜 I get so much done with just turning on my computer and letting go.

[@sachiko_r.m]

same

[@Kiki-cs8xv]

And they all lived happily ever after!... Except for Mrs. Rochester, who's conveniently dead.

[@dimwitteddingo]

Idk why I laughed at that

[@lisascankdealejo6447]

I did too xD

[@ronketola6134]

...Nice

[@h3702]

😂

[@grondhero]

"I'm blind!" "Yes, but your wife died!" "And they _both_ lived happily ever after."

[@joemoya9743]

The advantage of pantsing is that the book never reads like the writer already knows the ending. Pansers don't lead the reader. Instead, the writer and the reader follow the story no matter where it goes. After the story is finished, then you go back and organize the misteps and easily disregard the parts that don't add to the ending, middle or beginning.

[@blumelodiez]

This is similar to my process. Whenever I finally get down to write, I just type whatever feels right. Like my "readers" (I don't publish my work) I have no idea what's gonna happen 😅 plotting has always been a struggle for me, because it's like I'm forcing the story into a template. It ends up not feeling natural

[@NinjaPenguin1108]

I usually write little scenes that come to me throughout my day and before I know it, I've got a book!

[@bunothebrains]

Can't agree. I'm a pantser and I always include small hints that will blow the readers minds when they read the book the second time.

[@breadordecide]

@@bunothebrains Thats the beauty of writing. After the sixth or seventh draft it looks like you knew what you were doing all along.

[@kaylajames9334]

@@NinjaPenguin1108 I do that, too.

[@dimwitteddingo]

I come up with stories in my head during math class then go to quickly plot them down but by the time I get home I've forgotten half of it

[@AbbieEmmons]

that's so frustrating!!!

[@alexandernorman5337]

You need to take better notes in class ;)

[@mateosawyers6059]

Secret is....im not a math persone either

[@ang5824]

Mine too.

[@EvaJFrost-uq9ce]

Most relatable comment ever-

[@C0CKTAVIAN]

Not me trying to write a book at the age of 11, when I can't go 4 minutes without my brain transporting me to Hogwarts.

[@eli99019]

You can do it!💞

[@davetaylor2088]

I thought it was supposed to be a train?

[@malynbarnett5573]

Ha! I’m around that age and it’s either hogwarts, the burrow or some where in wings of fire

[@mateosawyers6059]

I'm 14 trying to write a big Christian novel....its turning out great so keep going

[@xxfinnitxx]

@@davetaylor2088 DAVE NO

[@mergesviz]

What rubs me the wrong way is that “plotting always helps”. It doesn’t. Sometimes plotting isn’t the answer, it’s brainstorming. Even the very bare bones of what Abby recommended is too much at times. The way my brain works is that I have landmark scenes, or, scenes that I know are important emotional beats for me to work towards. Sometimes I completely disregard those ideas. I get my best brainstorming/planning done while I’m writing. So I find out that X shouldn’t happen here but Y because I wrote Z. I can’t get that foresight from outlining. When I try to outline a book, I simply don’t know enough about the characters or story, so it never applies while drafting. I have tried to outline so many times and I ALWAYS disregard it because it doesn’t represent the story or characters because I didn’t know what or who they were while outlining! What helps is understanding emotional beats, story structure, arcs, all of that fundamental craft stuff and understanding it so well that it rests in the back of my brain while drafting. I’m hardly close to being an expert or knowing a lot about writing, but understanding the core of storytelling is so much more important than outlining. Don’t outline for the sake of outlining.

[@vultureiraq1168]

I agree with you so much! I'm in the middle of drafting my story while brainstorming and wondering what structure works best for me! My story is supposed to be a fairytale so I tell myself not to care about plotting and structure right away and I can always go back to it later- and it really helps me express my creativity in writing. I consider myself to be a panster but if I at least have a hook of what the story is about, then I can begin writing to explore the story even further,. (I also at least prefer to have character outlines like their personality and desires and then I'm done)

[@kaylajames9334]

Hallelujah. Also, we all need to realize that we only need just a few lessons on story structure. Like, maybe a few craft books or articles and the rest is just watching tv and reading. Pantsers are people, too.

[@GamingWithGlacier]

I completely agree with you! I like to focus more on fleshing out the characters. Of course I do try to plot some stuff. But in my personal experience, writing gets boring if I know every single detail that happens in the book. I like to plot just enough so things are coherent. Other than that, I treat each chapter kind of like an "episode". As a writer, I love surprising myself with what happens. It almost feels like my readers and I are on an even playing field. Plus, I grow a bigger attachment to the characters if I let them "write" their own fate.

[@renab.7390]

Couldn't agree more. This is me. I'm a discovery writer, I get to know my story and characters while writing. So even when I outline, I end up throwing out at least 75% of it while writing. So I have to constantly update my outline to fit the changes I'm making, which ends up being more needless work. It's enough for me to know what the story will be about and roughly where I'm going/what I wanna say with my story. And I don't need to write that down, that's in my head at all times. So yeah, plotting/outlining is just a huge waste of time for me.

[@Aiyvas]

Yes! Same! About as far as an “outline” gets for me is a few rough plot points. What’s going to happen to get them there? How will my characters react? What are the consequences? All unknowns until I’m sitting there, writing that moment.

[@oginpat7280]

Well, problem with being a pantser - you get bored while plotting easily and lost the excitment. I also can´t say how my character will behave without knowing how they would react in situations that appears in the book. Basicaly I need to write the book before actually writing it! xD

[@dimwitteddingo]

Same, and then I abandon like 30 books mix half of them and the loop continues

[@oginpat7280]

@@dimwitteddingo You are describing my life T_T

[@lisascankdealejo6447]

This is the hardest part about outlining. Losing the enthusiasm! But....i did ot then wroye and pantsed half way through it necause it wasn't working for me anymore and them changed my putline and then found that I'm still pantsing. I think the trick is to not go into details so you have plenty of room to pants while you draft and still have a general idea of the overall story lol

[@NAME-yg8sl]

@@dimwitteddingo I have given up on 10 books ideas per week. The last book I wrote I was 8 and that was Curious Gorge fanfiction.

[@strawberrydoll7042]

I think keeping it pretty loose and changing accordingly may fit a pantser

[@kennedypatton7874]

Hi Abbie, Can you make a video on debunking villain myths? With topics like: - Is it okay to romanticize the villain? - Is it possible to do a plot twist villain? (Even when using vicarious suspense) -How do you balance the good attributes of the villain with the bad ones? I hope this isn’t too demanding. Keep up the work. And Rock on!

[@ardethjven813]

Hi, not abby here: You mean like hummanizing them or make them likable? because it's always a good idea to make the villian a 3 dimansional character, the real problem would be to romanticize what they do. It also depends on your villian's baheavior and what the reader could take away from it

[@kennedypatton7874]

@@ardethjven813 To make them seem more appealing. It’s that feeling when you want the villain to win over instead of the protagonist. It’s difficult to explain, but I’ve seen some stories where the villain becomes the good guy, and the protagonist turns out to be evil.

[@ardethjven813]

@@kennedypatton7874 That's a very interesting concept, you could use corrupted concepts of "good" and "evil" it would be like taking a classic disney story and realizing that you rooted for a monarchy ( Princess, prince king and queen) and hated the outcasts (witches, trolls, monsters) as bad just because of who they are, take maleficent for an example. As long as you give an explanation for your villian's actions and change on behavior everything should be fine. Look for advice in redemption arcs and such to keep your characters consistent

[@mateosawyers6059]

Use your creative powers.....look at megamind

[@kennedypatton7874]

@@mateosawyers6059 I haven’t watched mega mind but I do think that Mother Gothel from Tangled and the Evil Step-mother from 2015 Cinderella are interesting.

[@mianguyen1388]

i don't make outlines, i just write a lot a lot a loooootttttttt of comments on my story as i go so i can jot down ideas and not get insanely bored with the material of my story...

[@mads8108]

This is... You literally make my process thousand times easier by this comment and I can't belive that I didn't think of that 😂😂

[@kaylajames9334]

Like how?

[@shanthi4855]

My problem with plotting is once I'm done the basic outline portion I get to writing the first draft. Later on I feel like there is a lot I want to change but to do that I'll have to also change major details. It just makes the whole process messy.

[@jocelynjacob5102]

same here!

[@katido7893]

I had this problem too. But now I write down the major points start the first draft and change things if i feel like it. Sometimes I have to start again but the process is more fun for me like this.

[@AbbieEmmons]

You can definitely make big changes to your outline!! More rewriting for sure, but sometimes it's worth it. set your creativity free 👏

[@ritsam2001]

One suggestion, is having two outlines. The first outline is your first draft and the second will take the parts of the first that are needed, but not the unwanted parts. But if you ever want to add or change it again, but will end up having another messy plot change, go ahead and make another outline. It gives freedom of creation, without destroying the original.

[@opalfenwick3953]

Marissa M, that is brilliant. Will try. Thanks :D

[@clintcarpentier2424]

"Pantser's guide to plodding." Couldn't help myself, that's all I heard when I read the title and I just couldn't shake it. On a serious note, I fail at plotting. I fall right off the wagon and drown my sorrows in world-building.

[@NinjaPenguin1108]

I'm usually an outliner but when I get hit with creativity, outlineing kinda kills that mood so this is perfect

[@chelseasmith1918]

I am a pantser, but will plot once in a while, never really following a structure. Your advice is SO helpful, thank you for all you have done!

[@georgeafton3460]

THANK YOU SO MUCH! I am a 13 year old who loves to write and think about stories. This is great way to start my horror/sci-fi story!

[@denikoatay]

I used to be a pantser struggling with the same story for more than two years. Thanks to your awesome videos I am a happy plotter who has *just* finished her first novel in less than a month!

[@robbieabel9053]

I'm WAY late to this conversation, but: I was a pantser meandering my way to finding the story. Then I decided to write a novel as my thesis for grad school, and all of a sudden, I had a deadline. Plotting (+ Save the Cat: Writes the Novel) saved my bacon. Though, I wish I'd known about this channel at the time.

[@emmascustomcloset]

I just plotted an entire short story for the first time and I am in love. I've never been able to plot before because it just bored me, but now I just want to plot everything I write

[@laylassong2377]

Using this has gotten me farther than I ever have gotten in my writing before. I thought I was a pantser but when I wrote without plotting I always gave up because I never knew where the story was going. Now I have a full written outline and I am so grateful for you and your videos. I always quit so early on but this has really helped me. Thank you.

[@LittleDergon]

I know I'm 3 years late here, but holy heck if this didn't just save my story! I had a tangled mess of a plot that I had no idea how to fix because any outline I wrote ended up being a novel in itself 😅 Using the outline you gave as an example, I've finally made sense of it all 🥰

[@trtlphnx]

Your Nail Polish Accentuates your Eye Shadow and Your Eyes!!! Wow, No Wonder You Pay Attention to Detail!!!

[@bagelchickenlegs]

Love this IN THEORY. But I always end up abandoning any outline I've made. (My last project I tried a method similar to this. I ended up with a 3 act story structure, just not the one I originally planned.) It's just more fun to discover everything as the story unfolds. (ESPECIALLY backstory :) And yes, this means rewriting a lot later, but that's what writing means to a lot of pantsers --although it definitely is not the most efficient way, it keeps us writing. I think for pantsers, we're more willing to put in the work on the editing end, whereas plotters invest more time up front. It just comes down to preference :)

[@tejaswinisparthasarathywrites]

I love this! I was feeling lost without an outline but also overwhelmed by a full outline. This will be super helpful! Thanks Abbie❤

[@hecate2029]

I just finished outlining a book that I've been struggling to put to paper for the last five or six years. I can count on one hand how make times I've felt this accomplished. Thank you so, so much for making these videos!

[@גרשוןפרלמן]

I always feel inspired viewing your writing suggestions. Even before the end of your short presentations, I'm re-invigored to return to my manuscript. Maybe something you didn't think of, but thanks.

[@OdelinSerrano-zu5fo]

Girrrrl, you are the ONLY PERSON I visit for clarity. You videos are gold for me. Any time I have a problem with my ideas, I RUN To you. Thanks, kid, you are fantastic. And cute, too.

[@Delta9Church]

I've tried to be an outliner, but I always end up with way too much. No joke, last time I had an outline that consisted of over 200,000 words and is becoming a roleplaying campaign setting instead of a story. I get carried away. So now I allow myself 2 pages of hand written notes.

[@RogerFordTheSmilingBassHole]

Excellent video! I'm a pantser by inclination. But that tends to make me wander and write a LOT of content I never use or need. I've had instructors advise outlining, but that idea always makes me dizzy and confused. So thanks for giving me a simplified way to do it! I'm working a lot on "pre-writing" for my current project to make it easier, smoother, and stronger. Thanks again!

[@lydireads9581]

I think I am definitely on a journey to becoming a plotter, thanks to your videos :). It pushed me to try plotting and after I did, I felt like I fell a lot deeper in love with my story before and wile I was writing it than when I just went into it pretty blindly. It is definitely a lot more motivating to me and now I can feel more confident in my desire to be a writer.

[@Aiyvas]

As a preface, I write for fun… and I am absolutely a “pantser” (never heard that term till now but I digress) Ever had that feeling you’ve read this book before? That you can see what the protagonist is going to do before they do it? The “three act structure” and that “inner conflict narrative” is why. (It’s especially popular in YA) And hey if that’s you, go for it. Nothing against you or your writing. There’s big pros to it. It’s familiar and safe and marketable. Is definitely not me… but I write for fun. My work may never have more than friends read it. And I enjoy the rewriting. It’s an adventure of learning more about my characters. Not that what I’m writing can’t be broken down roughly into three acts or that my characters don’t deal with emotions but they’re not what the story is about. Many great novels have a protagonist that changes very little if at all. Serials are a great example. You don’t have to read Hardy Boys in order; they practically reset at the start of each book. And if that’s not haughty enough for your taste; Agatha Christie’s Inspector Poirot, Ian Fleming’s James Bond, and to some degree even Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes. Their stories are often more about the events and people around them than the protagonist themselves, much less their emotions. The protagonist simply serves as a vehicle. So if you’re feeling confined, don’t be afraid to break the chains, that’s how great art is made. Some food for thought.

[@narcissamalfoy2666]

That intro is literal gold😍it’s awesome and brings such a great message with it

[@ginijudd2079]

Oh my heavens. I have just plotted my project for NaNoWriMo. I've never plotted anything before--and I have a drawer full of half-finished novels to prove it. Thank you, Abbie, for making this so straightforward!

[@saraoln]

I really needed this at the moment for some reason. Thank you, Abbie 🥰! Rock on!

[@NinjaPenguin1108]

Same lol

[@MarieK36]

#AskAbbie I understand main characters and side characters, but what if you have a totally new “character” selection, like a made up animal or creature so-to-speak? How would you add these into a book, make sure they fit right and play the important piece into the story, moving it forward? Would you stick to the “side character layout/template” or jot down details? Thank you so much Abbie! I know you’ll do your best with all your questions and I appreciate that! You are so appreciated!!🤍

[@kennedypatton7874]

Try asking K.A. Emmons. She writes in different perspectives with animal characters.

[@MarieK36]

@@kennedypatton7874 alright, will do!

[@Nikkothequokka]

I'm a 13 (will be 14 in 16 days) year old trying to write a fantasy Web novel. I must say, it's actually really hard to create a base to my novel without starting to think about the unexpected plot in the middle of the history and literally forgetting everything that is important in the start💀 I really hope I can actually finish planning at least the base until my prom of the 9th grade lmao-

[@felixpetittjr.6472]

Wow! Okay. I really needed this outline. My stories are complex and, yes, the first story kind of does some world building as I introduce my main character. Thank you for this outline. I'll do first story and then see how it differs from the screenplay outline.

[@mikkia-chan2977]

I'm watching this while outlining. I'm a sixteen year old rookie writer and I've got an amazing prompt. However, I was stuck on the first few lines of my prologue. Watching your videos enabled me to think of five chapters worth of content in a single sitting. Definitely trying all these tips.

[@amandatavares4741]

Abby, you are amazing! You must write your own book on plotting! THE WORLD NEEDS YOU hahaha. No matter how many books I read on the subject, your videos will ALWAYS come back as the most comprehensive and open-minded references. I love your work! Thanks

[@treyaghosh1679]

The three act story structure which Abbie mentioned, I immediately thought of The Lion King when she started explaining it. It is one of the best character growth movies in Disney. It shows the hard journey of Simba from the time his father died till the time he confronts Scar. He has to face his greatest fear when Scar reveals to his family that he killed his father. But, there is that 'aha' moment when Scar tells Simba that he actually killed Mufasa. This leads to Simba's misbelief breaking into shards and finally pursuing his goal by pushing Scar off the cliff. Not only his fear is broken, but also he fulfills his wish of becoming king after his father. We see that Simba grows from a partially immature cub to a lion king who proudly has his own beliefs. I'm sorry for the amount of words, but I just couldn't help stating this example! And thank you Abbie, your videos are so helpful. To be honest, I am a pantser. I literally had no idea of this 3 act structure before, though we all subconsciously admire it in most books and movies. I'm going to use it in my story soon!

[@starynightmoonshine]

Thank you abbie! You help lost souls without scaring them away!❤

[@h.s.s.3881]

My outline is my first draft - that's how I write as a pantser. Then I use the three act structure to revise. Some pantsers have internalized the three act structure so that their first draft already contains the elements of the three acts and they only need to tweak. The value you bring (which one else provides) is the questions to ask about your story and the emphasis on the character arc. Your explanations and analysis of the three act structure are gems; most writing classes and books rattle off the three act structure but never show how to use it with what you are writing. That is the genius in your method! Your videos have been extremely helpful and much appreciated! Thank you.

[@MrBracey100]

When I write short stories I'm a total pantser. When I write long form I do try and outline or plot but I'm always willing to let inspiration take me wherever, so somewhere in between I suppose.

[@mitchellbarton7915]

I don't hate plotting, I just don't know how and have a VERY short attention span. Lol loving these tutorials!

[@HolliMcCormick-l5j]

A little late to this video - but I am figuring out I think I am in this middle ground. I started writing what I thought was a little erotica short..but as I started writing as it was coming to me started to become this historical fiction (still in the erotica genre 🙂) weaving biblical mythos time with present day. So then needed to start outlining and have had so much fun diving into the character's personality/character development and figuring out how to plot essentially 4 characters (the two from biblical/mythos time show up in present day, so similar but also different characters) so I could see it all together. I created essentially your bullet point this morning but in a Sheet version so I can put all 4 characters together and see where things diverge or where they overlap. I only wish I didn't have a job and could work on this ALL DAY every day. It feels like it is burning to get out of me!

[@Lauren_FNAF]

I used to be a pantser, but I'm slowly turning into a plotter although I still feel a little confined by all the prep before actually starting to write

[@paulschield2092]

Thank you so much for all of your posts, Abbie. I’ve spent much of the pandemic learning about how to write a screen play. Your tutorials and style of teaching is by far my favorite. Most of your posts appear to have been posted a year or two so happy to see this recent post and send my thanks. I will certainly check out your Patreon, which is new to me as well.

[@carolynhong8586]

I am a pantser and hate plotting, but I know it's essential for stories structure. Thank you so much for making this video! It's like you read what's on my mind! ❤️❤️❤️

[@That1VideoGamer]

Tysm! Everytime I tried to freewrite my story it felt like it had too many random plot points, and this will help me.

[@peblezQ]

I have a problem where I outline but then the characters kinda change the story as I write it and I just have to go with it, so I always had to leave it relatively vague just to have some type of structure to follow but not confine me. Scenes just kinda come at me, if that makes sense.

[@mateosawyers6059]

Love your profile pic

[@TheTewjr]

I sympathize. My characters hijack parts of the story and take off with it!

[@tseritykat404]

I’ve always had trouble outlining and having fun and creativity with it. Very helpful video and thank you for making this One of the best writing advice I have heard from on KZbin

[@hookshot2351]

Learning the craft and cannot begin to comprehend how writers can write from the seat of their pants. Wow! I’ll be a plotter for sure and your insights are invaluable.

[@noxtheowl7500]

The template and your video helped me to understand why I should have an outline. I was feeling intimidated and constricted by doing this before, but your template makes me wanting to outline more instead of less!

[@NataliaPantaley]

I'm in between a plotter and pantser... and your video's helped me a lot! You spoke as if you had been in my own mind. Thank you!

[@artybluegirl]

Abbie you read my mind. Thank you. You were also the only person who made save the cat make sense to me

[@juparula]

I woke up this morning and thought, MAN I really need to get my outline figured out. Then I go to you and see what your latest video is. Voila! JUST what I needed! You're the best!

[@juparula]

So I'm here a year later and the same thing is true..

[@maiza2380]

people love you Abbie as I got going on the video 2 minutes after you posted it and already there were 20 likes there. I've watched a 15 ish video, recently, 4 times over and over again and I was the only person who liked it through the same hour and it's an international channel so 2 minutes after you posted it and already there were 20 likes impressive.

[@seananderson7153]

I just wanted to stop by and say thanks. I've been struggling writing a sequel to a story I was a complete Pantser for, After I watched this video yesterday, it knocked loose the ice in my brain that kept freezing me up and I outlined the whole sequel in an evening. It's after midnight now, and I'm going to bed with the wonderful knowledge I have a clear path to follow. And despite my clear plot, I still see lots of room for creativity. An outline is not a prison like I used to think, nor is it a creativity killer. You just need to be mature enough as a writer to realize it. Thanks for helping me take the final steps to this big milestone. From now on, I'll always be outlining in some form or fashion. I'm glad my first story was done as a pantser. I'll always have that victory. But now that I've seen how inefficient pantser writing really is. from start to finish, I'm certain I'll never go back. I wear my new plotter title with pride.

[@Stefanias1fan]

I’m between a plotter and a pantser. I know the very basic, major points and the end. But that’s about it. No idea how many chapters, or the estimated word count (I swear this could be anywhere from 20k to 200k and don’t ask how). But my story has flowed the most since outlining less. Before, I couldn’t even reach the third chapter and get the story out. But now? Now I’ve written three chapters in 3-4 days, basically dishing out 2k words daily when before I could barely get 1/10 of that if I was lucky.

[@engleharddinglefester4285]

Holy cow that was great! I stopped the vid and did a quick outline. Never did that before.

[@NameNotAChannel]

As a pantser, it's mainly because I can't see following the 3-act story structure with so many characters in my book (series). It's going to have at least 3 main characters in the first book who do interact at certain points, but the ensemble cast will all play important parts (we're talking over a dozen perspective characters) and that's all in the first book - 3rd person omniscient. The next book follows a new cast of characters again, on a different planet, in 4 main intertwining paths. I haven't decided if any characters from book 1 will make an appearance, or just be mentioned... depending on how that story ends. 3rd book may include from some characters of both prequels, but I haven't decided which yet (it's like the culmination of the big bad thing happening in book one is finally confronted, and mysteries are finally revealed, and the "why" gives them hope they can stop it all, and a "how".) I'm writing more from the point of the cool basis for what's going on in the story, more than the characters. I don't relate well to characters in books; I care more about what's going on than who's doing what and why. (I have a 41page appendix/glossary already written, and a massive history/setting document that probably rivals your 30,000 word outline.) However, I don't plot ahead, because I don't know how these characters are going to interact yet... and how that'll change what needs to happen. Even changing a conversation can have massive impacts on the flow as I've gone back and re-written/edited stuff... my characters surprise me all the time. (one of the intended bad guys turned into a good guy on me...)

[@aforislamtv]

I wrote my first story without outlining and although it came out really wonderful, it was so stressful. I don't want to go through that process of having to sit down and bite my fingers while thinking for a long time about what I should write next. So, I want to start outlining, and hopefully, this great lesson would help. Thank you so much.

[@kateann5101]

I don't hate plotting, I just find people who can plot well very amazing. I am the sort of people who really need to know there's no bug in the plots, but unfortunately the story I've been writing and updating online has a big setting problem already, and all I can do is just 'please, lovely readers, ignore the tragic problem with my plotting, just keep going on. "🤣

[@corkscrewfoley]

I'm a pantser, if I consciously know where it's going right away, it's not happening. However, I've been using a notebook, where I'll write a list of things that has to happen (never in order, but they fall in order), and that works for me. Maybe I'm a bit of both.

[@tigerdove7792]

You did help me! You described me at the start and i was like fine! I'll watch it! 😂 I am starting to write a fantasy book and have written over 2 million words in a fantasy book but i just write for myself in that one and there are mistakes that i find amusing, I'm not planning to show anyone it. When i go to the start of the book because we time travel sometimes just for no reason? And it's random, i cring soo much i have to hide from it😂 but i like having it there to remind myself how much I've improved! Alos I'm 15. You have motivated me to write some more! 🥳🎉

[@jamescarvey2133]

Amazing advice... Meet your character. Bullet point story structure.very pragmatic for the early stages. Abbie you Rock and you've got me rocking too 🎸🎶

[@borderlandsrelatedname]

I have a pal that I type all my ideas to, so when I need an idea, I can go back to our chats and our idea bouncing to get inspiration:)

[@huntershi]

I am something in between but more patser than planner since my characters 'tend to write their own story' and half of my plans were for nothing so I reduced it to few importenat checkpoints and how they get there is up to them. therefore I count myself to the plantser-type.

[@justanotherwriter-ms5rl]

Desire: A nice, neat, easy-to-follow outline. Fear: Getting trapped in the outlining process and never getting to the writing part. Misbelief: That the outline is something you can't change or get out of once you start.

[@TessaDeanAuthor]

I am a pantser and the most I do is create a story bible to keep track of point details I can’t remember in a long manuscript.

[@isabelladiaz7999]

This is one of the few plot videos that actually helped! Fantastic video!

[@raindaze2012]

I really love your outline examples of already published works. I find them SO helpful! I wish I could download a bunch of them!

[@rudolphpyatt4833]

I’m a pantser (I prefer “improviser”). That stems from experience as a journalist: when you’re on deadline in a newsroom, you don’t have time to outline or rough draft. You go directly from information to story.

[@Ramen25395]

Thank you so much! You've made my story go from bad to brilliant (I think..)!

[@chemicallyrandom6150]

I am a pantser, but I tend to outline as I go. I am working on my degree in creative writing and it requires I outline. I find that I enjoy doing character sketches but still not a fan of plot sketching. I am using your templets for the 3 act structure, but kind of filling them in as I go. I cannot seem to pick one way and stick with it. I have seen an improvement in my writing voice and I am getting stronger characters, but that P word is still the devil. lol

[@karlayork877]

~ 5:20 "after you get to know your protagonist" Thank you! This is the reason -- at least one of the major reasons -- that I had not outlined to begin with. How could I outline until I knew where my protagonist's story was going, and how could I know that until I got to know her and the rest of the characters better? But now that I'm two-thirds done, I'm trying to go back and get a semblance of outline so that I can remember what has happened when, and also because I need to rearrange the order of certain events (yes, I know; that wouldn't be happening if only I had outlined from the beginning, but how could I know blah, blah, blah,) and I think it's almost as hard doing it afterward than at the beginning. The bare-minimum/flesh it out after getting to know your characters sounds very helpful.

[@cymbamcreynolds8838]

I find that I write until I have about 50+ pages of rough scenes, summaries, and dialogue that goes from the beginning to end of the story. Plotting can feel so limiting for me at times or even take away some of my desire to write. I think outlining helps me more when I feel like I've written enough to solidify chapters. I'd outline the beginning chapters I want to work on to flesh everything out. I still haven't finished a book tho because I jump to one project to another while also taking breaks from writing lol. I hope to finish one day. I'm enjoying the journey until then.

[@eliseb20]

I laughed when you said: "flying by the seat of your pants" 'cause that is actually me 😂! you described in this video what I'm going through: I realised that I have to rewrite my entire novel....after I finished my first draft (which took a little more than a year to complete) But that's ok because now that I've used your template and outlined my novel, I will be able to use a lot of scenes from my first draft. Thanks a lot Abbie 🤗!!

[@Marscandy1]

Lol, you just helped me figure out what I was missing. I’m totally serious. Thank you.

[@MarieK36]

I’m serious when I tell you, those templates saved my messy writing thoughts!! :))

[@luna-qy5fg]

i got a bloom of ideas from watching this video and i love the outline. thank u so much for sharing.

[@nahalnaib8578]

Your intro makes me so passionate and fills me with so much motivation to write!

[@stefanienici]

I had panstered my way through my first two books. This video has me wanting to go home and get plotting. Thanks!

[@kingace6186]

I didn't really need this at this point in my writing, but this video definitely would have helped me when I first started all of this.

[@jamiececilielange5249]

I mostly use plotting to remember ideas and information, I don't plot it all out. If I plot out everything, I don't feel like writing, because it feels like I'm just writing the same thing again.

[@writerwannabe8778]

Yes I needed this!!

[@jaysonmelecio4532]

I used to be a pantser, and thanks to you I learned to outline. ❤️

[@emxry]

I’ve never planned before but I realised I would need to for my series. I’m really struggling with adjusting to it-

[@mimib___6709]

I literally just had that thought today! Lol 😆 crazy. Let the outlining begin!

[@TheAssez]

*Thank you.* 💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@Writerbyhand]

I started outlining very little. Writing the chapter name, and the general idea. It helped. THen when I scrapped the first chapter idea, I was lost. P.s i did this when rewriting the story...

[@nheyrandom8898]

So my take on pantsing is that, make your character (and internal conflict) and then your character's decisions make the story and that's basically it.

[@secrethealinghacks1913]

Have you heard about NLP? Neuro Linguistic Programming.? It's a way to engage all the senses. Some people are more dependent on visual or auditory ques. So to write with all senses in mind, you will grab ALL your readers.

[@davidpalmer6954]

I think I'm what I will call a PANTSLINER I do a bit of both, I'll outline (up to a point) then pants some and outline some. I kind of love the creativity I feel doing it that way. Yeh, I've some high numbers on the word score for outlining too... but 30K? I guess it takes all sorts to make a world. Thanks Abbie :)

[@francoanzalone4061]

Thank you very much. I try so hard sometimes I want to cry.

[@Thisepus]

I would call myself a pantser but I have the general plot in my head and I add outline plot points way before I write anything.

[@isabelladeangelo8474]

Thank you so so much for making these. I've been stuck on this one story forever, and these video have really been helping me love writing again :D.

[@allantorre]

at 4:14 i was SHOCKED like HOW DID YOU KNOWWW😭😭😭

[@azriel9499]

I adore story structure, and I actually do include it in my first drafts as I write, even though I'm a discovery writer. I probably could outline if I wanted too. I mean, in one of the stories I'm writing right now I know the major plot points, but only because it's been sitting in my head for years and I've just sorta figured out the story. But, in truth, I write for the fun of figuring out what will happen. It's rare that I enjoy writing a story once I know what will happen. For some people, knowing ahead of time helps them enjoy writing the most. Find the process that works best for you, and use it. I've wasted too much time and stories trying methods I knew wouldn't work. I hope this video finds the people who it will help most!

[@kaylajames9334]

This comment was a relief to hear. Do you hold all of your stories in your head? I am a discovery writer, too.

[@azriel9499]

@@kaylajames9334 I do to a certain extent. Some of my older story ideas aren't really written down at all, they're all in my head. But the more ideas I've gotten, the harder it becomes to keep everything in my head. Also, a big factor is how much I know about the story. If I know a fair amount (characters, their relationships with each other, important world details, a few major plot points, etc.) then it's easier to remember. Here lately I've been writing down whatever details about ideas that I do know, just so I don't forget them if I can't write the idea immediately. But, this is just me. (Btw, Shaelinwrites has some great videos about discovery writing on her channel, they helped me a ton.)

[@kaylajames9334]

@@azriel9499 thank you very much.