"Do you plot out your books before you start writing, or do your characters drive the plot?"
If this question had been presented to me ten years ago, I would have stated emphatically that I was a "Plotter".
Now? I consider myself more of a "Panster".
What changed?
When I began writing full-length novels, I wrote historical fiction and fiction that required a great deal of research. My topics were contemporary issues: childhood abandonment, death of a sibling, and the everyday challenges of daily survival (historical fiction).
So, of course, I acquired stacks of notes, fashioned time lines, and character studies. My facts need to be sprinkled in the story. Professions were also key to the storyline.
Even though my story was "fiction", it had to ring true to the reader.
Bull riding and the sport of rodeo were researched, and events were attended. I vacationed in Montana and lived there for a time in Texas. My father was a bronc rider during high school.
Though I rode horses and was familiar with the aspects of their care, I was never personally involved with the sport of rodeo.
I was also a stickler for regional food and the sensory aspects of the time period/locations.
You will find recipes for "Not for SissiesTexas Chili" (and others) in "Lynx" Rodeo Romance Book 1. I also shared Native American recipes, past and contemporary versions, in my YA historical novel.
While "Brede" Rodeo Romance Book 2 is a Romantic Suspense. (My heroine doesn't cook).
My writing has changed/evolved, as has the reader market.
I find I've become more of a "Panster" in my writing process.
My Paranormal stories are "tongue-in-cheek". Here Today, Zombie Tomorrow". These stories are also novellas (2 still in progress).
My current stories are character-driven with heavy doses of humor.
Therefore, my novels have unexpected twists and turns (at least unexpected to me).
I still have a detailed plot, but I allow my characters to take control of the storyline.
Of course, this often (always) causes a disruption in my writing process, has me brewing a cup of coffee while trying to sort things through.
Often, I laugh out loud over the dialogue I hear! Or when a "character' refuses to go through with MY plan.
Oh, before I forget! I have an audio release!
"Lynx" Rodeo Romance Book 1 (Free! when joining Audible)
With a dangerous reputation for taking chances and tempting fate, rugged cowboy Lynx Maddox had one goal in life—to win the coveted Silver Buckle rodeo championship. But when he sets eyes on lovely Rachel Scott, he becomes determined to capture her as well.
Rachel traveled the circuit with her famous rodeo rider dad until his fatal accident in the arena.
Now, she wants nothing to do with that world—or the men who risk their lives for one brief moment of glory.
But her attraction to Lynx becomes too powerful to deny. . . and his unexpected gentleness too seductive to resist. . .
©2018 Connie Vines (P)2025 BWL Publishing Inc.
Please follow the links...stories and secrets await!
Connie Vines (me)
So, Connie, it's horses for courses, right?
ReplyDeleteI agree about historical fiction. Research is a necessary and pleasant part. But you can still write intuitively, letting the characters lead the way in that meticulously recreated world.
I've had characters refuse to follow the plan, too. Most disconcerting...while I am a tea drinker, that's never been my go-to when I'm not sure where am going next, but similarly, I just get up, ask my dog if she wants to go for a walk - and she always does - so off we go. While I noodle ideas, Jessi checks out all the latest K-9 calling cards, or any other interesting scents that have shown up since our last outing.
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