“Very few writers really know what they are doing until they’ve done it.” (Anne Lamott)
I admit this is me. I have no clue, I’m a pants-ter. (I don’t know if pants-ter is even a word, but it describes me. I fly by the seat of my pants.) I can see in my mind all you wonderfully organized folks out their shaking your heads in dismay and rightfully so. But, may I just say in my defense I’ve been like this all my life. I’ve raised three boys and never lost one. I managed to speak publically for many years without totally embarrassing myself, and I even have a clean house. I’ve traveled, managed an office, was a bookkeeper, (with books that balanced) and wrote two novels. It works for me.
I’m impressed with, and in awe of people who plan out every step of their project; those who know what they are going to create from the beginning all the way to the end; organized before they start. I’ve attempted to do the same, but oh how quickly I stray from the path. I don’t just stray, I color outside the lines, and go a completely different direction, I’m a pants-ter. I wonder if there is an intervention for people like me.
I should mention on my book shelves I have many organizers. Some cheap and some expensive. I bought the expensive ones thinking that if I spent more money surely I would use it. The concept was good, but it didn’t work for me.I have one or two entries in all them and then I forget to write anything in them ever again. I’m a pants-ter.
Maybe I should have been a hippie because I tend go with the flow. It can get a little chaotic at times but hey I don’t need therapy for deviating from my lists. Yep, you’ve got it, I’m a pants-ter and a sticky note queen.
When it comes to writing my stories I’m the same. I listen to the voices in my head and I’m as surprised as anyone when the story comes together and works. My notes are scattered all across my desk on odd pieces of paper. Although some are now written in notebooks too. I have system, it’s an odd one for sure, but it works for me.
I’m hooked on writing. The whole idea of writing a new story still has the power to thrill me. I love being surprised by what my characters do. It’s so exciting when a new character works their way into my mind and won’t let go. It seems to work for me and for now I’ll go with it.
I know others do it differently and I will continue to be impressed by them, but having said that I think it’s too late to change my colors. I’ve been a pants-ter way too long and it works for me.