Balancing structure and creativity: my writing process

There are many ways for authorpreneurs to categorize themselves. These categories help us brand ourselves, differentiate from our fellow authors, and give readers a clear idea of the type of stories they can expect. Such categorization can be based on the genre, such as fantasy or romance, or a retailer category, like military sci-fi. This is crucial for an author’s branding because it ensures that we attract the right audience and meet their expectations.

Moreover, authors often align themselves with one of three approaches: pantser, plotter, or plantser. Each method offers a unique way to craft stories.

Pantser, plotter or plantser

Pantsers write “by the seat of their pants”, meaning they dive into a story without a detailed plan. They let the story, plotlines, and characters develop organically as they write. This approach emphasizes creativity and spontaneity and often leads to unexpected twists. However, it can also result in a more chaotic process and extensive revisions later on.

Plotters meticulously outline their stories before writing a single word. They develop detailed plans, including character arcs, plot points, and scene breakdowns. This structured approach ensures a clear direction and cohesive story, thus minimizing the need for significant revisions. While it can limit spontaneity, it provides a solid roadmap that helps plotters stay on track and avoid writer's block.

Plantsers combine elements of both pantser and plotter approaches. They create a loose outline or framework for their story, leaving room for flexibility and creative exploration. Plantsers may start with key plot points or character outlines but allow the story to develop naturally as they write. This method allows for both structure and spontaneity.

My writing process for “The Empath Series”

From my previous day jobs as a writer and public relations manager, I knew the importance of planning texts and messages I wanted to convey. Hence, the idea of not knowing where I was going with novels horrified me. However, from writing fanfiction, I also knew not to limit my spontaneity. Thus, I adopted the hybrid approach of ‘plantsing’.

Before I wrote “The Empath Series”, I had a clear vision of the overall plot. I understood the character evolution of protagonist Nathaniel Colt and supporting characters Ophelia Brighte and Franklin Parker. I also knew the settings, and themes I wanted to explore in each book.

However, when I outlined “Wicked Hunt”, I only plotted the major plot points—nothing more. I knew where the story would start, how it would end, and a few major scenes. I thought this would be enough to write the novel without feeling constricted. I was wrong, it wasn’t enough. I struggled without knowing how to connect the plot points I had decided upon. This hindered the progression of the plot, and it took far too long to finish the paranormal thriller.

Subsequently, I developed more elaborate outlines for “Wicked Justice” and “Wicked Seduction”. I outlined the important plot points, how to connect them, and the evolution of the story. As such, I had a much easier time completing these novels and narrowed down my writing time from eighteen to six months.

Plotting “The Prince of Hellscape Series”

Writing “The Empath Series” taught me valuable lessons that will be crucial for my next projects. Before diving into “The Prince of Hellscape Series”, I plotted out the entire series in much greater detail. I mapped out major threads, including settings and themes, Luminael's and Crowley's character development, the primary villain for the series, and the antagonists for each book.

I then outlined each of the six installments to ensure my ideas fit within a coherent framework for this supernatural thriller series. Furthermore, I broke down each chapter into twelve to sixteen story beats. While this process was time-consuming, it ultimately streamlined my writing process—I finished the first draft of book one in just four weeks.

The most rewarding part was that this detailed outlining didn’t stifle my creativity. With the story beats in place, I had a clear roadmap of what would happen in each chapter, but I still had the freedom to develop each scene as I saw fit. This framework provided a solid foundation while allowing flexibility for creative exploration.

For example, while planning “The Prince of Hellscape Series”, I initially created a character meant for just a scene or two. However, as I outlined each book, I grew to like this character more and more. I realized they could play a more significant role in advancing the plot. This character grew into one of major importance, eventually taking on the role I had originally assigned to another character.

My writing process

So far in this article, my focus has been on outlining and plotting my stories. For me, this is the most crucial aspect of my writing process. The more thoroughly I prepare, the faster and more efficiently I can write.

I know that fellow authors have their ways of getting into the right mindset for writing. Some have a particular writing spot, and listen to specific music, others set specific writing goals to start their sessions.

I have never adopted such habits. The rest of my process is built around a simple routine. From experience, I know that I’m most productive and creative early in the morning. Thus, I start to write after a healthy breakfast. I work in several writing or editing sessions of sixty to ninety minutes, followed by brief breaks. This rhythm, reminiscent of my school and university days, suits me well and keeps me focused and energized.

After a longer lunch break, I usually return to my current work-in-progress or focus on writing articles. In the afternoons, I dedicate time to research and necessary administrative or promotional tasks. Keeping a consistent routine and dedicating specific times to different parts of my work helps me stay productive and make steady progress on my projects.

A comfortable routine

I thrive on routines, templates, and structures. As a plotter, I have a clear roadmap, but I also give myself the flexibility to explore new ideas and directions within that framework. This balance between planning and spontaneity has become a comfortable routine for me. It enables me to produce consistent work while still enjoying the creative process. By having a solid plan in place, I can navigate any unexpected twists and turns in the story without losing momentum. This approach has helped me grow as a writer and ensures that I continue to improve with each new project.

Buy "The Empath Series"

“The Empath Series” follows empath Nathaniel Colt as he rejoins the world and the people he left behind. It is a riveting tale of suspense, emotion, and the resilience of the human spirit. As the empath grapples with his inner demons, the pulse-pounding action and the unpredictable twists will keep you on the edge of your seat.

If you enjoy stories with a psychic investigator, serial killers, and an insolent dog, then you will love “The Empath Series”.