Plotter or Pantser? 10 Authors Reveal Their Writing Secrets

Are you a meticulous plotter, mapping out every twist and turn before you write a single word? Or are you a fearless pantser, flying by the seat of your pants and discovering the story as you go? Maybe you’re somewhere in between—what many writers call a “plantser.”

This is one of the biggest questions writers face, and in this special Behind the Mic episode of Miles Beyond the Page, ten bestselling and award-winning authors share their own approaches to storytelling. From detailed outlines to wild creative chaos, you’ll hear how they shape their novels, what tools they use, and how their processes have evolved over time.

Meet the Authors

✨ Adrienne Giordano – Romantic suspense powerhouse who knows the thrill of tension and pacing.
✨ Amanda Reid – Mystery with bite, where twists keep readers hooked.
✨ L.E. Sterling – YA sci-fi/fantasy author who builds imaginative worlds with precision.
✨ Harry Turtledove – Legendary alternate history author with decades of storytelling wisdom.
✨ Jami Gray – Blending urban fantasy with romantic suspense.
✨ Janet Leigh – Time-travel rom-com queen who bends time to her will.
✨ Jeanne Skartsiaris – Women’s fiction & suspense with unforgettable heroines.
✨ Elizabeth Hobbs – Historical romance with heart and depth.
✨ Misty Evans – Paranormal & espionage thrillers that keep readers on edge.
✨ Tracey Devlyn – Romantic suspense & historical intrigue with rich detail.

What You’ll Learn

📌 From Pantser to Plotter – Can your process change as your career grows?
📌 Evolving Writing Techniques – How these authors adapt with each new book.
📌 The Importance of Plotting – When structure helps keep stories on track.
📌 Collaborative Plotting – How brainstorming with others can unlock creativity.
📌 Character-Driven Storytelling – Why sometimes it’s best to let your characters lead.

Find Your Own Path

Whether you swear by spreadsheets or thrive in the unknown, this compilation will give you a fresh perspective on your writing process. There’s no “right” way to write—just the way that gets your story on the page.

🎧 Watch the full episode and discover how these authors approach the eternal debate: Plotter vs. Pantser.

👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more author advice, creative insights, and behind-the-scenes storytelling.