Starting a new novel is filled with excitement, unknowns, and nervousness. This time, I’m thrilled to share this journey with my readers so they can experience each stage of the process firsthand. From the first outline to the final draft, you’ll have access to all the progress updates, sneak peeks, and other writings. Let’s delve into the art of developing a story from scratch and reflect on what it means to be a writer and, more importantly, what type of writer I am as I start this adventure.
The Three Types of Writers: Pantser, Plotter, and Plantser
Every writer approaches storytelling differently, but there are three primary “types” of writers based on their planning style: Pantser, Plotter, and Plantser. Let’s inspect each and where I fit in.
1. Pantser
Pantsers “fly by the seat of their pants,” diving into their story with little, if any, initial planning. Their writing flows where their inspiration and characters take them as they write, often discovering the plot along the way. This approach is organic and free-flowing, which allows for total spontaneity.
2. Plotter
Plotters are the preplanners. They build their stories with detailed outlines, character sheets, and notes. They plan out scenes, character arcs, and major plot points before writing a single word of their first draft. Plotters aim to have a roadmap to follow, which can help avoid writer’s block and allow them to create complex plots.
3. Plantser
Plantsers blend both together, and to be fair, most people are probably Plantsers, even if they don’t admit it… like myself. They enjoy a bit of structure but also like to leave parts of the story open to spontaneity. They might begin with a loose outline or a few plot points, leaving room for surprises and adjustments. Plantsers appreciate some structure without being confined by it, letting the story evolve in a planned and organic way.
My Approach as a Plotter with Room for Flexibility
I identify as a Plotter, though I also love keeping space open for organic changes as the story unfolds. I find having a sound plan in place actually gives me the freedom to explore unexpected directions without losing track of the story’s main thread. It also allows me to quickly see how a change would affect the rest of the story and adjust those parts before I write.
As a Plotter, I start with a coherent plan to guide my story’s direction. However, I believe in letting the story breathe and evolve as I write. This combination helps me stay grounded in my main ideas while allowing for creative shifts along the way. By balancing structure with flexibility, I keep my story cohesive yet dynamic, adapting whenever inspiration strikes.
My Outlining and Planning Process
For this novel, I’m using a modified approach to two well-known outlining methods: the Snowflake Method and Katytastic’s 3-Act, 9-Block, 27-Chapter Outline Method. These frameworks help me structure the story from big-picture concepts down to specific scenes, giving me a strong sense of direction as I begin.
The Snowflake Method
The Snowflake Method is a very detailed, structured approach to novel writing devised by Randy Ingermanson. There’s a series of steps, each adding a little more as you go along. You write a one-sentence summary of the story, then expand it to a paragraph, and then build it into a multi-page summary. It also includes a very detailed set of character profiles and scene breakdowns.
This method’s strength is its focus on story structure and character depth, helping writers visualize the entire narrative arc while fleshing out key details. If you want to dive deeper into the Snowflake Method, you can find more information on Ingermanson’s official site.
Katytastic’s 3-Act, 9-Block, 27-Chapter Outline Method
The second method I draw from is Katytastic’s Outline Method, popularized by YouTuber and writer Kat O’Keeffe. It breaks the story into three primary acts, each divided into three blocks, each consisting of three chapters. This outline gives the novel a robust and balanced structure with clear plot points at every stage, guiding writers through the traditional three-act story structure that underpins many successful novels.
This method’s 27-chapter outline works incredibly well for keeping pacing tight and ensuring each section of the story serves its purpose in advancing the plot. Check out Katytastic’s outlining guide on her YouTube channel to learn more.
Blending Methods for a Customized Outline
I use the Snowflake Method to develop the big-picture elements: the main plot, character arcs, and theme. Once I have that foundation, I apply Katytastic’s 27-chapter outline to break down each act, adding structure and clarity to the pacing of my story. This helps me build a nuanced, layered, cohesive, and engaging narrative from beginning to end. This personalized approach is a roadmap: it navigates through the key plot and character arcs while allowing room for creative changes as the story unfolds. It’s the perfect blend of structure and flexibility… at least for me.
Ready to Write – and Excited to Share the Journey with You!
Now that my debut novel, Bounty’s Justice, is out in the world, starting a new novel has me more excited than expected. I can’t wait to bring you along on this journey as I move through the outlining, writing, and revising stages. If you want to be one of the first to know when there is an update on my progress, a sneak peek, or some other random writing, don’t forget to subscribe to this blog! Whether you’re a fellow writer, an avid reader, or just curious about my creative process, I invite you to follow along as this novel unfolds.
Bradley Schiermeyer 
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