Planner, Pantser, or Plantser? Identify Your Writing Mindset

There are different naturally occurring mindsets around writing.

There is no “correct” or “perfect” mindset to use when writing and publishing. However, there are some common issues that tend to crop up depending on your mindset. In this article, we’ll give you vocabulary around these mindsets. We’ll touch on a little cognitive psychology to help you understand why you lean one way or the other, and provide strategies to help you finish your dream manuscript—no matter what your writing mindset may be.

Planner (or Plotter)

A planner or plotter mindset is exactly what you imagine it to be. This writer outlines the details of their story before drafting anything. They prioritize planning key events, character arcs, world-building, and other crucial aspects for a well-rounded story.

Planning is often an anxious mindset that leans toward controlling even the minute details of the writing process—which has both pros and cons.

Pros:

A planner is an editor and publisher’s dream. It’s easy for collaborators to come alongside a planner to perfect the work because everything is neatly laid out. Planners typically write consistent series with few plot holes and deeply engaging stories because of their clear structure.

Brian Jacques, author of the Redwall series (a favorite here at Sunflower in Romance Publishing), was a well-known planner. When he died suddenly in 2012, his family and ghostwriters were able to complete his final WIP (work in progress) thanks to the detailed plans he left behind.

Cons:

Planners often find that after investing time and energy into planning, they struggle to actually write the story. If this sounds familiar, here are a few things you can try:

   •   Plan less. It sounds wild, but setting a stopping point for planning can help you shift your energy toward actually writing.

   •   Hire a ghostwriter. Ghostwriters can turn your detailed outlines into a full manuscript—this is more common than you think.

   •   Sell your book plans. Just like in the music industry, where songwriters sell songs to performers, you can sell manuscript outlines to authors or publishing houses. It may take some footwork to find reliable contacts, but it is possible.

Pantser

Have you ever heard the idiom “flying by the seat of your pants”? That’s the essence of the pantser mindset. This type of writer is driven by inspiration, experience, or creative sparks. Pantsers typically dislike planning and find it tedious.

Pros:

Someone with a pantser mindset doesn’t require much to start a new WIP. Simple encounters can inspire a new idea. These writers often produce imaginative, vibrant stories, thanks to their spontaneous creativity.

Cons:

Pantsers can quickly lose interest in a storyline. They often leave behind unfinished WIPs and struggle with plot holes, since they don’t begin with a clear direction. The result can feel like navigating a pothole-ridden road in an underserved city. To address these challenges, try:

   •   Plan more. I know—it’s a shock. But sketching out rough outlines before or during the writing process can provide the structure you need to finish.

   •   Hire a co-writer. Co-writing is different from ghostwriting—it involves equal contribution. A co-writer can help you outline and develop the story while you bring your voice and imagination to the table.

   •   Write short stories. Instead of full-length novels, try writing 5,000-word stories. These shorter pieces are easier to finish and can later be compiled into a larger book.

Plantser

A plantser is a blend of a planner and a pantser. They find a healthy balance between structure and spontaneity. They may begin with a loose outline but allow the story to evolve organically.

Plantsing is a cognitively balanced mindset—it doesn’t default to fight (planner) or flight (pantser). Instead, it reflects adaptability and resilience in the writing process.

Pros:

Plantsers give their stories room to grow beyond the original outline. As a result, they’re often surprised and excited by how the story unfolds. Their writing flows naturally, making plots more relatable, characters more dynamic, and twists more impactful.

Cons:

Plantsers may take longer to get words on the page. Since they’re moving between planning and free-writing, they may write one chapter at a time and take breaks to plan the next section. Here’s how to overcome these challenges:

   •   Plan breaks. Your writing may not move as fast as others. That’s okay! Build planning pauses into your writing timeline and give yourself grace.

   •   Outline in chunks. When you pause to plan, outline 2–3 chapters at a time. This helps you write more efficiently during each session.

   •   Leave it for the next stage. You might find major gaps in your manuscript due to the looser structure—and that’s okay. Save those edits for the revision phase. You’ll have a clearer vision after finishing your draft. And if issues remain, a developmental editor can help you clean them up.

Final Thoughts

As we said at the beginning, there is no correct mindset to have as a writer. Each one has benefits and drawbacks. However, there are healthier ways to orient your mindset overall. The most beneficial approach might be adopting strategies to increase both your productivity and the quality of your work.

We often forget that the mind doesn’t control us—it’s a tool. With effort, consistency, and strategy, it can be rewired to meet your needs. Your default mindset is likely the result of trauma or conditioning. Saying “this is how I am” or “this is what works for me” may actually reinforce limiting patterns that no longer serve your life, purpose, or calling as a writer.

If no one has told you before, let us be the first:

It’s okay to rewire your thinking.

It’s okay to adopt a new mindset.

It’s okay to try a different strategy to finish your book.

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is—that which is good and acceptable and perfect.”

— Romans 12:2