Do All Bestselling Authors Plan Their Novels?

Every writer has a unique approach to their craft. While some bestsellers emerge from a spontaneous flow of creativity, others meticulously plan every detail before putting pen to paper. So, do all bestselling authors plan their novels? This article delves into the various writing styles and processes of successful authors, providing insights from both the planning and pantsing perspectives.

The Pantsers: Writing Spontaneously

Some bestselling authors embrace the improvisational spirit of pantsing. These writers don’t have a detailed plan or outline before they start writing. They often begin with a single idea or character and let the story evolve organically as they progress. For these “pantsers,” the creative process is likened to following a winding path in the forest, discovering new twists and turns without a set destination. Examples of pantsing bestselling authors include Stephen King and J.K. Rowling. King famously wrote The Shining without an outline and let the story develop as he wrote, discovering characters and plot points along the way. Similarly, Rowling began the Harry Potter series with just a vague idea and allowed the characters to guide her storytelling.

The Planners: A Methodical Approach to Writing

Other bestselling authors are meticulous planners. They take great care in crafting an intricate outline and plan for their novels. This detailed pre-writing phase can span over 100 pages, covering every chapter and scene. By having a clear roadmap, these writers can focus on the nuances and details of their stories, ensuring a cohesive narrative flow. Authors like James S. A. Corey and Brandon Sanderson are known for this method. Corey’s The Expanse series benefited from a detailed outline that helped him maintain a consistent setting and complex world-building. Sanderson developed his world of Rothfuss and Stormlight Archive through a meticulously planned outline, allowing him to create a vast and rich universe for readers to explore.

The Hybrid Writers: Finding a Balance

Many successful writers fall somewhere in between the pantsing and planning extremes, adopting a hybrid writing approach. They start with a general outline and then improvise as needed, allowing the story to take unexpected turns while maintaining a structured framework. Author John Milton’s Memoirs of a Wartime Bachelor exemplifies this hybrid approach. Milton initially had a broad outline but was not rigid about following it, letting his insights and experiences guide the narrative. This method helps them to stay organized and focused while also maintaining the flexibility needed to explore new ideas and developments in their stories.

The Evolution of Writing Styles

As writers continue to work, they often refine and evolve their writing process. For many, the early stages of their career might involve a more pantsing approach, allowing them to discover their voice and story. Over time, they might develop a preference for a more structured method of planning, or they may continue to use a hybrid approach. The Bridges of Madison County by Robert James Waller, for example, started as a simple idea but evolved into a detailed novel with a clear character and plot development. Similarly, A Song of Ice and Fire by George R.R. Martin began as a more spontaneous project but grew into a complex, serialized epic with a meticulous plan.

The Importance of Personalized Processes

Ultimately, what matters most is finding a writing process that resonates with each individual writer. Each approach—pantsing, planning, or hybrid—can produce outstanding works of literature. It’s important for writers to find what works best for them based on their personal strengths, preferences, and the demands of their story. Whether you’re a pantser, planner, or somewhere in between, the key is to remain adaptable and open to refining your process as your skills and confidence grow.

In essence, not all bestselling authors plan their novels from start to finish. Rather, the most successful authors find the approach that best serves their creative vision and the story they wish to tell. Whether it’s improvising, planning, or a combination of both, the most important thing is to stay true to the process that enables you to express yourself authentically through the written word.