Should You Plan Your Novel or Jump Right into Writing?

The age-old debate about whether to plan your novel before writing or dive right in without a plan can be quite divisive. Writers have different approaches, and there are pros and cons to both methods. This article will explore the benefits and drawbacks of both approaches, providing you with insights to help you decide what is best for your writing process.

Planning Your Novel

Pros:
Structure: A detailed outline can provide a clear roadmap, making it easier to maintain focus and coherence in your narrative. Character Development: Planning allows you to flesh out your characters, their arcs, and relationships before you start writing them into the story. Theme and Tone: You can establish the themes and tone of your story in advance, ensuring consistency throughout the novel.

Cons:
Rigidity: A strict plan can limit your creativity and spontaneity as you write. It can feel like you are working within constraints rather than letting the story unfold organically. Time-Consuming: Planning can take a lot of time, potentially delaying the actual writing process. Some writers may find this step overwhelming or unnecessary.

Starting to Write

Pros:
Freedom: Writing without a plan allows for spontaneity and exploration of ideas as they come, giving you the freedom to let the story develop organically. Flow: You might find that ideas develop organically, leading to unexpected and exciting plot twists. This can be particularly motivating for those who enjoy the discovery of writing. Motivation: For some, jumping straight into writing can be more motivating and lead to a faster first draft, providing a sense of accomplishment early on.

Cons:
Lack of Direction: You may struggle with plot holes or pacing issues without a clear plan, which can make revising the story more challenging. Revisions: This approach often requires more extensive revisions later, as you might need to restructure significant parts of your story to ensure it flows smoothly.

A Hybrid Approach

Many writers find success with a hybrid approach, choosing to start with a loose outline of key plot points or character arcs while allowing for flexibility in how they get there. A good intermediate step could be to start with a detailed outline but allow room for deviation as the story unfolds. This can help strike a balance between preparation and spontaneity.

Research and Statistics

Unfortunately, we often lack solid statistics on how planning affects the completion and success of novels. Studies and surveys can provide valuable data to inform our understanding. Here are some survey questions that could be asked to gain better insight:

Have you ever had a go at writing a novel? If not, please do not take this survey. Did you plot it out in advance before writing it? Did you complete it? If you got a traditional publishing deal for it, were you published by a reputable publisher? If you self-published, has it sold 500 or more copies?

It’s essential to conduct such surveys in a way that minimizes bias and attracts a diverse group of participants to ensure the results are reliable and actionable.

Conclusion

The decision to plan or dive straight into writing depends on your personal writing style and preferences. Many find success by experimenting with both approaches in different projects. Ultimately, the best approach is the one that works for you. If you have the means, consider conducting a well-researched survey to gather more data on which advice might be most useful for future writers.