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Julie Musil asked "You're a pantser, so how do you know when you've got the pacing right, and where you need to insert plot points? "
Great question, Julie! First let me qualify that my process, like everyone, is probably slightly unique. When I started I simply started with a file filled with random notes/thoughts/names/etc. and jumped right in. Lately I've been using more of a format like the Beat Sheet from SAVE THE CAT. Either way, the outcome is the same. When I have the idea, I quickly realize that certain big "events" have to take place in order to tell the story. I also typically have a good idea how it's going to turn out. There are still plenty of opportunities for surprises on the way, trust me!
These major turning points, whether named correctly or not, represent the major turning points in the story. If I have the right characters, and the right inciting incident, it works out.
It's funny how the subconscious works as well. I recall one time where things seemed to be going too fast. But I couldn't exactly stop everything, or force non-essential material in. What happened? My character did the opposite of what I expected, which delayed the inevitable for just the right amount of time and built far more tension and depth than I'd anticipated. Voila! That's what's so great about really letting the characters fully develop.
Hope that answered the question! I guess the point is that it falls into place one way or another. And when it doesn't? You can make it work.
I don't consider myself a panster, but I think it pays to not be too constrained by the outline, either. I always write a loose outline and am always surprised by how things change, so now I just go with it. And I've noticed the same thing about the major turning points--those usually remain intact, even when the path the characters take to reach those points gets more twisty than I expected. Off to check out your guest post!
ReplyDeleteGreat post!I really need to read Save the Cat. My recent project has some pacing issues, and I'd prefer to fix them on the front end next time :)
ReplyDeleteIf we read enough, I think we instinctively know when to slow or speed things up or when to increase pacing or when a disaster needs to strike. Even though I plot I still experience this.
ReplyDeleteThe most valuable point, for me, you've made here is about letting the characters fully develop. As we pace those scenes and plot points, remembering to allow the characters to develop on a scale is vital. Love this post!
ReplyDeleteGreat advice! Personally I tend to plot things ahead of time, but that doesn't always mean for perfect pacing the first draft through. Revision is still necessary.
ReplyDeleteI outline after I use STC to create the beats (love that book!!!!), but my outline is very flexible. Much more so now than what it used to be.
ReplyDeleteCharacters do know best when you allow them to develop.
Great post, Lisa!
I am such a pantser. But I haven't had to work under a deadline yet, so that may change. Usually, I have ideas about big scenes first, then I can figure out where to place them based on the character and the journey they're taking. I can go back and fill in along the way. It's pretty haphazard and disorganized, but that's how I roll!
ReplyDeleteExcellent answer! Like Matt, I plot ahead of time, but that doesn't mean the pacing is right. Gah! Thanks, Lisa.
ReplyDeleteNow I'm off to Elizabeth's blog!
Yeah, in my pantsing, I often get the pacing too fast. But I fix it in revisions. I like the idea of having the character do the opposite of what I expected. What a fun twist... how will we get out of this? :D <3
ReplyDeleteGreat advice. Thanks! :)
ReplyDelete♥.•*¨Elizabeth¨*•.♥
Lisa, your process sounds a lot like mine. I also like what Laura said in comments. So much of writing is based on instinct, which comes from having read a lot or otherwise listened to stories. But then we need other readers to make sure we're not fooling ourselves. :-)
ReplyDeleteGreat answer! I'm a pantser too. I can never manage to stick to an outline. I like to write fast paced stories, so I'm very consistent with my pacing. Yet if there's a bump somewhere, it gets taken care of in the revisions anyway!
ReplyDeleteHere, here to Laura on the instinct aspect. I think the movie running in my head as I write helps me feel the pace. If part of the story prompts a popcorn break - out it goes.
ReplyDeleteA lot of storytelling is intuitive, even for hyper-plotters (like me). Making sure something "feels right" or following your intuition can craft some pretty awesome stuff. Great post! ;)
ReplyDeleteGreat post! I usually have a rough outline, but I like how you mention having the major turning points somewhat figured out. This would help make sure you have a solid plot. I'll have to check out this STC Beat Sheet. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteOne of my MC's did just as you mentioned: something unexpected and now is in a place of learning, but out of the story line for a bit...right where she belongs.
ReplyDeleteI'm a Pantser. Wouldn't you like to be a pantser, too?
Great post! I do struggle with pacing - but I'm definitely getting better at the ebbs and flows :)
ReplyDeletePacing is tricky. I always fuss with the pace of a novel in revisions even though I outline before the first draft. I know how I want the pace of the story to be, but it takes the revision process to get it right (or, what I think is right).
ReplyDeleteI guess the point is that it falls into place one way or another. And when it doesn't? You can make it work.
ReplyDeleteThese are words I really, really needed to read right now. Thanks. :)
I doff my hat to you -- I need all my post-its and my plan to get my pacing right! My co-author is a huge pantser, so we've found a happy medium, and I think we're both learning about the benefits of the other's approach.
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