“What? Writing is easy. Well, I’ve been at it for over a year now with my debut novel, The Carian Codex, and let me tell you – it’s anything but easy.”
If you think writing a novel is straightforward, you might not be familiar with the rollercoaster ride that is the pantser’s journey. As someone who lets the story unfold in real time, with no detailed outline or plot to guide me, I’ve found that the path is full of surprises – not just for the characters, but for me as the author, as well.
For those who might be wondering, what exactly is a pantser? In the writing world, we fall into one of three categories: plotters, pantsers, and plantsers. Plotters map out every twist and turn before they write a single word, creating a detailed blueprint for their story. Pantsers, on the other hand, jump right in, allowing their characters to steer the narrative. Then there are the plantsers, who mix a bit of both worlds, planning some parts while letting others evolve naturally.
Over the next few posts, I’m going to take you through my experience of writing The Carian Codex from a pantser’s perspective. I’ll break it down into three parts – beginning, middle, and end – sharing the ups and downs that come with each stage. This isn’t a guide for everyone, but it’s an honest reflection of my journey.
Part 1: At the Very Beginning
1. The Reader Hook
You’ve heard it before – those first 10 pages are crucial. Agents, editors, and readers alike will decide within those few pages whether your story is worth their time. No pressure, right? As a pantser, this can be especially challenging because I’m discovering the story as I go. But the key is to start with something that grabs attention – whether it’s a mysterious event, an unexpected twist, or a character in peril. Whatever it is, it has to make the reader want more.
2. The Temptation of Rabbit Holes
Characters have a way of taking you down paths you never intended to explore. Suddenly, you’re knee-deep in a fascinating backstory, researching obscure historical facts, or developing quirks that may or may not serve the plot. These rabbit holes are tempting, and while they can add depth to your characters, they also risk derailing the story if you’re not careful. The challenge is to stay focused – letting your characters shine without losing sight of the narrative.
3. Keeping the Momentum with Reader Engagement
Once you’ve hooked the reader, the next challenge is keeping them on the line. As a pantser, it’s essential to constantly think about engagement. How do I maintain tension and conflict? How do I ensure the pacing doesn’t lag? I’ve found that ending chapters with a cliffhanger, keeping dialogue snappy, and showing rather than telling are invaluable tools. Every chapter should leave the reader eager to turn the page – and that’s a balancing act I’m still mastering.
In Part 2, I’ll delve into the middle of the novel – where the real fun (and frustration) begins. But for now, let’s focus on getting those first few pages right. After all, they set the stage for everything that follows.
Leave a Reply