3 Comments
User's avatar
Stephen Woodfin's avatar

Amy,

The distinction between the two basic types of writers is more about personality types than anything else. And just as personality types are messy to interpret, so are writing types. I always put myself in the pantser group, but that doesn't mean I never go back and re-work what I've written. The main thing is the writing itself. So whatever works for a writer to get him putting words on paper is good. Just keeping at it is the game. Thanks for the thoughtful post.

Expand full comment
Amy L Bernstein's avatar

I agree that personality plays an important role here, but so does culture: what trends and advice writers are exposed to, which way the wind is blowing, what's popular at the moment, and so forth. Thanks for reading!

Expand full comment
Kim Reynolds's avatar

"I’m clear about the story—until I’m not. I’m firm as to the tone and the genre—until I’m not."

That pretty well sums up the creative roller coaster I ride.

Expand full comment