I never took a typing class. Always planned to be a lawyer and have a secretary. Then computers came along and I decided I could learn some skills (eventually had to due to the changes in the world). I used to write my stories long hand. Planned to hire a typist for them if I ever decided to publish. Of course, word processors came in and that was much easier than long hand. Except for the hunt and peck thing.
I have actually learned to type a little by default and from constant use for court documents. The reason I wish I’d taken typing now is that I was in the car for six hours on Sept 27th. I wrote like a maniac- in my head. Lots of scenes for the WIP. I mean, I had the dialogue, the mannerisms, and the scenery down. Down cold. COLD.
Then, eye doctor appointment. While I was waiting for my eyes to dialate, I had more ideas for the scenes come to me. Fully formed- edited in. Again, in my head. Wow. Really cool, inspired day.
Alas, came home to actually get it all on paper and because I can’t type as fast as I can think, I only got one scene down. I have eight to go.
Since I got up at 3:45 am, I’m petering out. The energy level is gone. So, will have to plug away later. Can’t. Type. One. More. Sentence.
Query: does the fact that I have these scenes fully formed in my head now make me a plotter or am I still a pantser? I vote for pants as I didn’t have any of this in my head at 4:00 am today. What say you?
Jillian Chantal 
I know you are a pantser. A plotter would have thought “This will happen” on a general basis and then worked through it. Your ideas come fully formed and out of the blue and often take you by surprise. Pantser indeed.
By: Darlene on September 28, 2010
at 8:18 am
Thanks. I think so, too.
By: sfcatty on September 28, 2010
at 8:27 am
Still not certain I understand the definitions, but let me say that a plotter seems more likely to sit at the keyboard and carefully lay out what seems next (logically).
To have the scenes form fully in your head while you’re driving, in dr. office, or (in my case) exercising at the ‘Y’ — would make me believe you’re a ‘pantser’. What ever that is.
Jeff
By: Jeff Salter on September 29, 2010
at 10:23 am
Thanks for the support- and yeah I fly by the seat of my pants- it’s more fun that way! Like the short story I wrote recently and thought I knew “who dun it” til I got to the end and it was someone else. Gotta love it when the subconscious surprises us.
By: sfcatty on September 29, 2010
at 10:34 am
I also love being surprised by my characters. I find this particularly with the supporting cast. In my 4th ms. (romantic comedy), I basically needed the MOTHER of the male love interest to be in one scene to advance a specific element of the plot. In other words: a walk-on.
But she impressed me so much that I had to broaden her role. Before long she was a pivotal character who possessed the keys to resolving the conflict between the estranged lovers.
That MOM really lobbied me for more stage-time!
Jeff
By: Jeff Salter on September 29, 2010
at 7:48 pm
That’s awesome, Jeff. She must have been a very strong character. Still can’t wait to read some of your stuff.
By: sfcatty on September 29, 2010
at 7:58 pm
Oh yea. Meant to say “she’s a stage mom!”
By: sfcatty on September 29, 2010
at 7:59 pm
Thanks, Sherry.
Hopefully sooner rather than later.
However, don’t expect anything as ‘heated’ as the titles I saw on your publisher’s site.
Mine are funny, but rather tame.
Jeff
By: Jeff Salter on September 29, 2010
at 8:50 pm
Yea. I’m a little chagrined about the titles too- and worried about my cover, etc- I’m so a fish out of water with most of that! LOL!
By: sfcatty on September 29, 2010
at 8:53 pm
I still haven’t seen your cover, but some of those other titles are, well, scandalous.
I bet they sell well, however. Ha.
By: Jeff Salter on September 29, 2010
at 8:57 pm
I haven’t seen my cover yet either- thus the fretting. LOL! yeah, some of the covers are too much–
By: sfcatty on September 29, 2010
at 9:16 pm