Writing a novel is always a journey, and for those of us who identify as pantsers—writing as we go, without rigid outlines—it can sometimes feel like navigating without a map. This was exactly the challenge I faced when I began drafting the first edit of However Far We Fall, the working title of Book 2 in the Hope Series.
Getting Stuck: Too Many Characters, Not Enough Focus
One of the biggest hurdles I encountered was dealing with a large cast of characters, each with their own stories to tell. I didn’t want to structure the book as a series of disjointed chapters focusing on different characters, but I also needed to ensure each story had purpose and depth. The breakthrough came when I asked myself: Who is the main protagonist, or protagonists?
Once I identified my two central characters, everything became clearer. Defining who the story truly belonged to helped me shape the plot and gave me a stronger sense of direction.
The Power of Character Biographies
Even though I usually write instinctively, I realized that this novel was too complex to leave entirely to chance. I needed to go back to the drawing board—not with a strict outline, but with a more structured approach to character development.
I started by writing detailed biographies for my two main characters, focusing on:
Their backstories—what shaped them before this book begins?
Their desires—what do they truly want?
Their obstacles—what’s standing in their way?
Their transformation—how do they change, grow, and evolve by the end?
Their future—where does this story leave them, and what’s next for them?
This approach was incredibly refreshing. It allowed me to see my characters more clearly, making their choices feel more organic and their journeys more compelling.
A New Way of Plotting as a Pantser
For a writer who usually prefers to dive straight into storytelling, stepping back to plan in this way was a revelation. It wasn’t about rigid plotting, but rather understanding the emotional and narrative arcs that would drive the story forward. This method gave me clarity without stifling my creativity—something I’ll definitely be using in future projects.
Now, I’m looking forward to fully developing However Far We Fall and seeing where this story takes me. It’s the follow-up to Wherever You Will Go, which will be released in June 2025, and I can already see how the themes of love, resilience, and self-discovery will continue to evolve in this next instalment.
Advice for Fellow Writers
If you ever find yourself stuck in your writing—especially when juggling multiple characters or complex narratives—consider stepping back to define your protagonists and their journeys. Even if you’re a pantser, taking the time to map out character arcs can bring the clarity you need to move forward with confidence.
Have you ever had to rethink your approach to writing? Let’s chat in the comments—I’d love to hear how you tackle challenges in your own storytelling process!
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