I'm a little bit of both. I like to know my characters and the basis of what they're going to be doing. Also this year, my male main character has cystic fibrosis, so I'm doing some studying up on that. Other than that, I like to let them kind of develop the story on their own.
I don't think I've written for a character that had a chronic disease, although I did have a blind character once. In cases like those, some prior research definitely helps! Otherwise you won't understand the character's lifelong trials and sufferings and coping mechanisms.
I'mma planner.laterryOctober 16 2010, 02:47:25 UTC
My first NaNo I did it more as a Pantser and while I did win, there were so many things wrong with it and things that didn't make sense that I should have researched beforehand. Now I plan things out. I make a separate word document that keeps track of all the characters, important plot points, settings, and anything else that might be important that I'll probably forget.
But then when I start writing, things happen that I never planned for and I do a little pantsing. (That sounds silly no matter how I say it.)
I didn't do an outline for my first NaNo, and there was so much added floofing (whole scenes of characters staring out of windows or having ridiculously long, drawn out conversations) that by the time I was finished I felt I had very little actual story and very too much pile o' word.
What I might attempt this year is to plan strategically. I'll outline several key scenes and moments, but purposely leave other moments and scenes unplanned so they're more spontaneous. We'll see how that works out!
My natural inclination is towards Pantser, but I prefer writing with an outline, so I'm trying to become a Planner. We'll see how it works out this year.
Also, the word Pantser makes me think of middle school gym class, so anything to avoid that! :P
High five to planners! I agree that researching and building up your outline and characters really does get you excited for NaNo for some peeps. I keep hearing that when planning, we shouldn't over plan for this project or it can take out steam. I can see how this is true in a way, but how much is too much? TO not plan at all, I would be a complete stress case. Like you, it's just so easy to google a question to make the story correct and complete. I guess that will be something we'll both have to fight ;p
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But then when I start writing, things happen that I never planned for and I do a little pantsing. (That sounds silly no matter how I say it.)
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What I might attempt this year is to plan strategically. I'll outline several key scenes and moments, but purposely leave other moments and scenes unplanned so they're more spontaneous. We'll see how that works out!
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Also, the word Pantser makes me think of middle school gym class, so anything to avoid that! :P
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