Outtakes 375

Thoughts on Plotting

By Cait Collins

Every writer has to experiment with ways to plot his stories.  There is no one right way to craft a story. Personally, I prefer to sketch my characters.  I write just enough so that I know the basics.  Once that’s done, it’s up to the character to tell me who he is.  Same with the actual story development.  I have a few plot ideas but they can work on their own, or they can intermingle.  I decide where the story takes place.  And then I free-write.

I will admit that the free association has led me down some strange paths, But in unraveling the twisted paths, I often find a lead that creates new possibilities.  I guess you could call me a “pantser”.  I write by the seat of my pats.  It may not be the most practical method of storytelling, but it works for me.