Definition
A plantser blends plotting and pantsing: they plan enough to know direction, then improvise scenes, dialogue, and surprises in the draft.
Example
A plantser might outline three acts and major beats, but write each chapter without knowing every line in advance.
Related terms
Common mistakes
- Using "plantser" as an excuse to avoid any revision when the draft goes off track.
- Assuming plantsers must be exactly halfway between full outline and zero planning.