Gardener or Architect

When I first started writing, I didn't know anything about the terms or labels that writers and authors put upon ourselves. It actually wasn't until somewhere around 2013 (when I started plugging into online writing groups on Facebook), I heard the terms "Plotter" and "Pantser."

I was lost. No clue as to what either of those meant. So, not shy to be the one to ask the dumb questions, I asked in one of my writing groups.

Everyone was super helpful. They gave me the basic definition that a Plotter is someone who meticulously maps and plots out their novels to the last little iota. A Pantser, on the other hand, is someone who writes by the seat of their pants. Someone who lets the book write itself almost. 

I found myself identifying more with the idea of being a Pantser. I even wrote a poem about it. It was the first thing I ever had published (albeit in my high school's Lit Mag). It wasn't until I read the Otherland Saga by Tad Williams. There's a character in the books that has what he calls his "data garden" where his plans and observations are visually represented by a virtual garden. He talks about how he could be an Architect or a Gardener when it comes to his planning- meticulously planning or letting it grow and tend it. My brain expanded that concept to writing. I looked at the things I worked on and felt like the Gardener label was applicable to me. 

I never plan my stories beyond the basic details. Sometimes all I know is where I start and where I'll end (and sometimes not even that much). I don't know themes, what my characters are going to do, where they go, or most of the steps along the way. I let my stories tell themselves to me and I tend them as they grow, guiding and pruning along the way. This is in opposition to the Architect who will draft and plan out the characters, backstories, worldbuilding, plot, and other intimate details before even putting the first line of the story down. 

I say that to talk about how the way I write isn't right, nor is it wrong. Same with those who are Architects/Plotters. Most writers I know falls somewhere in the spectrum between the two. 

And that's okay. I've seen in some writing groups where some toxic members will chastise others for not doing it their way. 

And that's not okay. 

It takes all kinds. Not just in writing. But in life. We need those people who are going to plan and prepare and we need the people who are going to fly by the seat of their pants. The key is finding the common ground and adapting when you need to. 

So, my advice to writers is to write how you want to write. Develop your style. Learn from better writers on how to be a better writer, but write in a way that works for you. 

Do that in life as well. Play to your strengths. Be an architect or gardener, but learn to adapt and be flexible when you need to. 

If you've made it this far, thanks, and be sure to check out the #TalkingBooks episode I did for the Otherland Saga (spoiler warning if you haven't read it, and if you haven't it, go read it).

Thanks for reading. Be sure to comment down below or on whatever social media you found this on to let me know your thoughts.

If you liked the story and you want to help support my writing habit, I've just signed up for Ko-Fi, which is like an online tip jar. So, no pressure, but if you are feeling so inclined, I would appreciate any amount. 

-Anthony

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