Plotters plot and pantsers wander. One approach isn’t better than the other. They’re just different impulses. But both are equally futile.

Pantsers can wander aimlessly ad infinitum, and plotters often focus only on plot at the outset. Which is why they still get stuck in the messy middle. What both plotters and pantsers get wrong is how to bring story elements together to focus their material.

In today’s episode, we’ll break down 3 story elements that work together in concert to create a story.

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Episode at a glance:

[1:01] When You Have Too Many Ideas

Writers often suffer from a continuous influx of ideas. But idea generation is not synonymous with quality. Both plotters and pantsers often get so overwhelmed by their own ideas, they have trouble finishing their story.

[2:46] Plotters vs. Pantsers and where they both go wrong

Plotters focus on the external events, aka, plot. Pantsers focus more on character and the internal story. Learn where both plotters and pantsers go off the rails of their story, and what’s missing.

[6:57] What is a story?

Story is not what happens – the plot. Learn what a story is, and what it’s about. And the 3 elements that work in concert to create a compelling, page-turning story.

[8:56] Character Desire

If I had to choose one thing you want dialed in before you structure your story, it would be desire. Desire is the the engine of your plot. And it’s what shapes every story decision you make. But it’s not just the the thing your protagonist wants. Or whether he or she gets it by the end. Desire is more complex than that. Learn how to explore the different layers of character desire and how this leads to the essential question driving readers through your story.

[11:12] Theme

Theme is often overlooked. And misunderstood. But it’s directly related to your character’s desire and why he or she has trouble reaching their goal. Learn what theme is and how to come up with a usable, relevant statement of your theme that will resound throughout your plot.

[14:10] Plot

Plot is not just what happens on the surface of your story. It facilitates your protagonist’s transformation. Learn the true purpose of plot and how to integrate your character’s core desire and your theme into your plot.