Writing the Wrong Way? How About My Way – Guest Blogger Vicki Batman

Writing the Wrong Way? How About My Way

Like most of you, English class steeped me in preparing an outline before writing. The term plotter applied to this style. When I began my writing journey, I had an inspiration (via a friend saying something) and wrote it down. I ran with the prompt and before long, had written eight chapters. (Who knew I had so many words in me?) After showing what I’d accomplished to my friend, she said to continue; so I did. Since I’d finished my book without an outline, I thought perhaps I had gone about writing in the wrong way. I felt amateurish.

Once I had a good draft, I began thinking of improving the manuscript with maybe a hint of an idea toward exploring publishing. I knew about Romance Writers of America and searched for a local chapter. My heart nearly pounded out of my chest when I attended my first meeting. AND I had to introduce myself and describe my work. The ladies I met that day became fast friends and graciously helped this newbie move and improve.

I attended more and more meetings and found a new term infiltrated my head – pantser, someone who writes by the set of their pants. No outlining required. That’s me!!! I also discovered many prolific and famous writers wrote this way. And there was no English teacher with ruler in hand to admonish them. LOL.

All that said, when I start a story these plot points are in my head:
The Beginning – this is the prompt that usually kicks off the story.
The Middle – the part where stuff happens to lead up to the…
The Black Moment – all heck breaks loose and has to be resolved to find a happy ever after.
The End – the book is packaged with a pretty bow at the end.

(Know this: it takes tons of other stuff to turn a book into a compelling read.)

So if I managed to accomplish the above without an outline–I did it! I wrote a freakin’ book!!! Was it just as good as outlined ones? Sure was. And I shouldn’t be ashamed. Heck no. My takeaway is pantsing is my style. Plotting is another style. All I know is if pantsing helped me reach The End, that’s not bad. Like the song said, I did it My Way.

Author bio: Vicki Batman has sold many romantic comedy works to magazines, several publishers, and most recently, two humorous romantic mysteries. Along the way her stories have garnered awards and bestsellers. An avid Jazzerciser. Handbag lover. Mahjong player. Yoga practitioner. Movie fan. Book devourer. Cat fancier. Best Mom ever. And adores Handsome Hubby. Most days begin with her hands set to the keyboard and thinking, “What if??”

Find Vicki Batman at:
Website: http://vickibatman.blogspot.com/p/more-about-me.html/
Blog: https://vickibatman.blogspot.com/p/welcome.html/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Vicki-Batman-sassy-writer-of-sexy-and-funny-fiction-133506590074451/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/VickiBatman/
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/vickibatman/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vickilbatman/

Just Desserts…and other stories: From sassy writer Vicki Batman comes eleven very short tales with dashes of humor.

Story Blurb: Love blossoms in the small town of Sommerville in these heartwarming, “cute meet” tales, filled with fun and forever possibilities.

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Just-Desserts-Other-Short-Stories-ebook/dp/B07CT8XC5F/
Print: https://www.amazon.com/Just-Desserts-Other-Stories-writer/dp/1718719302/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1527956600&sr=8-2&keywords=just+desserts+and+other+stories/
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/just-desserts-and-other-short-stories-vicki-batman/1128592107?ean=2940155242031/
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/823338/

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