The Reality of Writing Fiction: Thinking vs. Writing

When it comes to writing a fiction book, there are two predominant approaches: the thinking alone method, often referred to as “pantsing”, and the more structured planning process. While some authors, like Stephen King, advocate for writing by the seat of their pants, the truth is, successful fiction writing typically demands a balance of both thinking and writing down your ideas.

How Stephen King Writes

Stephen King, a renowned author and bestselling novelist, has shared his writing process in his memoir, On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft. He famously writes by the seat of his pants, allowing his thoughts to flow freely and shape his narrative as he goes. This approach allows King to capture the spontaneity and raw emotion of his characters, leading to a unique and immersive reading experience.

The Pitfalls of “Thinking” Alone

While the thinking alone method can lead to creative moments and dynamic writing, it is not enough to produce a book worth reading. Without the act of committing your ideas to paper, your thoughts remain just that—thoughts. According to many fiction writers, thinking alone is a solitary activity that is most entertaining for the thinker.

Constant Thinking and Constant Writing

On the other hand, successful fiction writing requires a constant process of thinking and writing. The truth is that even the most celebrated pantsers like Stephen King still think about their books. From the shower to walking the dog and washing dishes, ideas and solutions to problems frequently arise. This continuous cycle of pondering and implementing ideas ensures that the stories evolve and grow into something tangible and readable.

Conclusion: Balancing Thinking and Writing

So, is it possible to write a fiction book by just thinking about it? The reality is, no. Thinking alone is an essential part of the creative process, but it must be supplemented with the act of writing down your ideas. Whether you pants or plan, the combination of thinking and writing is what transforms a collection of thoughts into a compelling and readable narrative. In the end, the best fiction writing is the result of a well-balanced approach.

Key Takeaways

The thinking alone method, or ”pantsing”, is a popular approach to writing fiction. While creative, thinking alone without writing down ideas often leads to incomplete and unpolished stories. Contrary to popular belief, even well-known ”pantsers” like Stephen King constantly think about their work and regularly write down their ideas. The art of fiction writing lies in finding a balance between constant thinking and the act of writing down your thoughts.

Keywords: fiction writing, pantsing, writing process