For many years, my writing process could best be described as organized chaos. I was a dedicated "pantser"—one of those writers who dives headfirst into a story without the safety net of an outline. I would often juggle multiple ideas at once, but when it came to actual writing, I focused on one book at a time. To keep track of plot points, characters, and important details, I leaned heavily on a sea of post-it notes, stacks of legal pads, and even the occasional scrap of paper that happened to be nearby when inspiration struck. It was messy, but it worked—until it didn’t.
A few years ago, when Kindle Vella arrived on the scene, it became clear that my fly-by-the-seat-of-my-pants approach needed a serious overhaul. The fast-paced, episodic nature of Vella required a more streamlined system for tracking ideas and organizing content, especially since I was shifting toward writing and managing multiple projects simultaneously. This realization prompted me to dive into research mode, hunting for software that could support my creative chaos but still allow me to maintain my pantser roots.
That’s when I discovered Plottr, thanks to a recommendation in a Facebook writing group. Though not free, the program was budget-friendly, and with a free trial available, I decided to give it a shot. I started using it to map out The Witching and quickly realized it was exactly what I needed. Plottr wasn’t just a tool—it became a pivotal part of my workflow. It was so impactful that I opted for the lifetime plan and even became an affiliate.
Now, I wouldn’t say I’m a full-blown plotter just yet. I still identify as a pantser at heart, preferring to let my stories take shape in an organic way. However, Plottr has revolutionized the way I handle the complexities of storytelling. The ability to create bullet-pointed timelines, maintain detailed character sheets, and keep track of locations has saved me countless hours of flipping back through old pages to remember what pizza shop I mentioned 10 chapters ago or which side character wore that distinctive blue hat. Having all my notes, scenes, and references in one place has been a game-changer.
The best part is that Plottr’s flexibility allows me to customize my approach. I don’t need to create detailed outlines if I don’t want to. Instead, I use the program as a digital storyboard that I can adjust as I go, keeping track of key events and characters at a glance. This method has not only helped me stay organized but has also made writing multiple novels at once less daunting.
So, to all my fellow writers who thrive on spontaneity but need a touch of structure, I cannot recommend Plottr enough. Whether you’re just starting out or are looking to streamline your process, it’s worth exploring—and if you’re anything like me, it might just become an essential tool in your writing toolkit.
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