Plotters vs. Pantsers, or Algebra vs. Geometry?

 Algebra or Geometry?

                 I don’t know where I heard this, but somewhere along the way in life, someone said to me, “You’re either an Algebra or Geometry person.” It might have been a math teacher. Anyway, some prefer the calculated nature of Algebra, while others prefer Geometry, which involves equations, but also shapes. I can see where Geometry might appeal more to visual learners. Plus, there are theorems. What I like about Algebra is that I just solve the equation. With Geometry, I'm having to think a bit more about the shapes and what equation to use and which theorems pertain to the problem at hand. Though I prefer Algebra, I know others prefer the type of logic required for Geometry. 

                I can admit I’m an Algebra person. I like being able to count on formulas. While I am a visual learner, I’m more of a black-and-white thinker. This made it hard during my second year of teaching when I was asked to teach Geometry, and not just because I was a biology major (not math). But God got me through it, and I lived to tell about the experience.

                So what does this have to do with writing? I noticed that some writers like structure, while others, not so much. In a broader sense, the writing world contains plotters and pantsers. There are writers who like the structure and order of outlines, and those who do not. And then there are those, like me, who fall somewhere in the middle.

                When I discovered beat sheets and the book, Save the Cat Writes a Novel, I was overjoyed, because, as you can guess, it appealed to my need for structure. I created my own little table based on what I learned from the book to help me outline future projects. For newer writers, or writers such as myself, who are more risk adverse, outlines can be appealing. 

                But then I heard about another book. You may have heard of it, too: Story Trumps Structure. What? We can do that? Apparently, we can. This past weekend, I had the opportunity to hear the book’s author, Steven James, speak at the ACFW VA online conference. What he said was fabulous, but it was hard for me to accept at first because it didn’t feel like Algebra. But that’s OK. Some writers work well without an outline. I don't see anything wrong with this approach, but this doesn't come as naturally for me as for some writers. 

                I’m come to accept I might need a little bit of both (structure and spontaneity/deeper thinking about the story than a rote outline) in my writing. I like to start with an outline, but I also would like to see where the story leads.  Ever since the conference, I am excited to put in practice the new techniques I’ve learned.

                What about you?