Plotters
The Architects, the Strategists, the Folks Who Alphabetize Their Spice Drawers
Bless the plotters. They walk where the rest of us sprint blindly. While Pantsers are saying “let’s see where this goes,” Plotters are quietly building story skyscrapers with blueprints, color-coded sticky notes, and the confidence of an 80s aerobics instructor in neon leg warmers.
What a Plotter Is
Structured writers who outline before drafting—sometimes lightly, sometimes obsessively.
Pros:
Efficiency: Fewer rewrites, clearer arcs, cleaner pacing.
Confidence: No more “I’m 40k words in and what is even happening?”
Stronger revision foundation: Because you made the map first.
Cons:
Analysis paralysis: When the outline takes longer than the draft.
Rigidity: Sometimes your characters want to dance and you keep them in a straitjacket.
Creative claustrophobia: That “color inside the lines” feeling.
When Plotting Works Best
Genre fiction (mystery, thriller, romance, sci-fi)
Multi-POV novels
Nonfiction with a teaching structure
High-stakes books where continuity matters
Insight
Plotting isn’t stodgy. It’s a gift you give yourself. And if you still want freedom? Build that into the outline—your future self will hug you.
Need help taming your structure? Visit our website and explore our courses—plotters feel right at home in our live classes.