Should I Outline My Novel or Write as I Go?

One of the most fundamental decisions a writer faces when starting a novel is whether to outline the entire story before diving into the writing process or to write "by the seat of your pants" (often referred to as "pantsing"). This debate—whether to outline or not—is one that has been discussed for as long as novels have been written. Every writer has a different approach, and there's no one-size-fits-all answer. However, understanding the pros and cons of both outlining and writing as you go can help you make an informed decision about which method best suits your writing style and your specific project.

In this article, we’ll explore both methods in detail, their advantages and challenges, and how to determine which approach will work best for you. Ultimately, the goal is to give you the tools and confidence to choose the path that leads to a completed manuscript that you're proud of.

What Is an Outline?

An outline is a plan or roadmap that charts the major events and structure of your novel before you begin writing the first draft. It may include the key plot points, character arcs, the setting, the themes, and even specific scenes or dialogue. Writers who outline tend to create detailed frameworks, which can range from very simple bullet points to highly elaborate and intricate documents.

Some writers prefer to create chapter-by-chapter outlines, while others work with broader overviews like three-act structures or summaries of key turning points. Outlining allows you to see the larger picture of your story, to identify potential plot holes or weak spots early on, and to provide structure that keeps you on track throughout the writing process.

What Is "Writing by the Seat of Your Pants" (Pantsing)?

Pantsing, as opposed to outlining, is the approach where writers jump into their novel without a set plan. They allow the story to unfold organically, writing based on instinct and inspiration rather than a pre-established plot. Pantsers often rely on their creativity, intuition, and the development of their characters to drive the narrative forward.

This method can lead to unexpected twists and discoveries during the writing process, as characters and plotlines can evolve in surprising ways. Pantsers may have a general idea of the kind of story they want to tell or a few key moments they want to include, but they don’t know exactly where the story will go from chapter to chapter. This approach is often described as “discovering the story as you write.”

The Case for Outlining Your Novel

While outlining might not be right for everyone, there are distinct advantages to taking the time to plan your story before you begin writing. Here are some of the most compelling reasons to outline your novel.

My book, How To Write A Novel Chapter By Chapter, fully explains how to outline novels to create the best structures and maximise your time writing. (See below.)

1. Clear Structure and Direction

One of the primary benefits of outlining is that it gives you a clear framework to follow. When you know where the story is headed, you can avoid feeling lost or stuck in the middle of your draft. An outline provides a roadmap that helps you structure the narrative, organize major events, and stay focused on the overall goal of your novel.

For instance, if you are writing a complex story with multiple timelines, characters, or subplots, having a detailed outline can help you keep track of everything. Outlining each major event, character arc, and theme beforehand can prevent confusion later on, ensuring that everything fits together coherently.

2. Prevents Plot Holes and Inconsistencies

Plot holes are a common concern for writers who decide to write without an outline. When you're making up the story as you go along, it's easy to accidentally introduce inconsistencies or forget important details that may affect the plot down the line. For example, a character might suddenly act out of character, or a subplot might feel irrelevant to the overall story.

Outlining your novel can help you anticipate these issues before you even begin writing. By creating a detailed outline, you can work out the kinks in your story and identify any areas that need more development. This saves you time and energy later in the process, as it reduces the likelihood of having to backtrack to fix major issues.

3. Increased Productivity and Focus

Some writers find that outlining increases their productivity because they have a clearer vision of what to write. Instead of sitting down to write and wondering what should happen next, they can simply follow the outline and work through each scene methodically. This can be particularly useful if you find that your productivity suffers from lack of direction or if you struggle to get past a certain point in your novel.

Outlining can also help you maintain a consistent tone, pacing, and structure throughout the novel. With a roadmap in hand, you can focus more on the details of your writing (like dialogue, imagery, and character development) rather than constantly trying to figure out what should happen next.

4. Helps with Complex Stories

If you're writing a novel with multiple characters, themes, timelines or subplots, an outline can be invaluable. The outline can also help you manage, move and maximise the timing of narrative events and how they impact your protagonist. Outlining gives you a bird’s-eye view of your novel, allowing you to see how each element fits together and how different threads of the story intersect.

The Case for Writing Without an Outline (Pantsing)

While outlining has its advantages, some writers prefer to dive into their stories without a detailed plan. Pantsing can be a liberating and intuitive way to write. Here are some reasons you might want to consider this approach.

1. Creative Freedom and Spontaneity

One of the biggest advantages of writing without an outline is the creative freedom it offers. By not adhering to a predefined structure, you give yourself the freedom to explore your story as it unfolds. Characters may surprise you, plot twists may emerge unexpectedly, and new ideas may arise in the moment.

2. Organic Character Development

Writing without an outline can also lead to more organic character development. When you let the characters guide the story, they may evolve in ways you didn’t anticipate. This can lead to more authentic and unpredictable interactions, especially in complex stories where the characters are deeply intertwined with the plot.

3. Discovery of New Ideas

Without an outline, you may discover new plot twists, themes, or character arcs as you write. These discoveries can make the writing process feel more exciting and dynamic. Instead of feeling like you’re just following a prewritten plan, you’re actively participating in the creation of the story.

This sense of discovery can be particularly invigorating if you thrive on surprise and spontaneity. Pantsing can lead you down unexpected and rewarding creative paths that you might not have explored if you were following an outline.

4. Avoiding Overthinking

For some writers, the process of outlining can become a form of procrastination. They may spend weeks or even months perfecting their outline, only to find that they’ve spent so much time planning that they’ve never actually written the story. Pantsing eliminates the risk of overthinking, allowing you to jump right into the action and get the words on the page.

Hybrid Approach: The Best of Both Worlds?

For some writers, a hybrid approach might be the most effective. This involves creating a basic outline with key plot points or events but leaving room for improvisation and exploration as you write. This allows for the structure and organization of an outline while also embracing the creative freedom that comes with pantsing.

The hybrid approach can be particularly useful for writers who want a roadmap but don’t want to feel restricted by it. It gives you the flexibility to adapt as you go along while still having a sense of direction.

In my book, I also show how you can use Classic Novel Structure to check that your beats and plot points are all working well, as part of your editing process if you are a pantser. This is a wonderful tool for letting you write freely for most of the process, but then have a failsafe to check everything has been covered narratively and structurally.

How To Write A Novel Chapter By Chapter available here: https://www.amazon.com/How-Write-Novel-Chapter-Outlining-ebook/dp/B0DJ8TMVWL?ref_=ast_author_mpb

You can also check out our other services, Mentoring and Manuscript Review, on the links above.