Like most people, the day comes when you have to go to the dentist and get a cleaning and all that. Well, unlike most people, I have the most British teeth this side of the pond (aka Los Angeles) so every time I go to the dentist it’s a crap shoot as to what terrible procedure I’ll have to endure. Well today was no different. Cleaning, x-rays, fluoride, check, replace two old crowns with rotting teeth underneath, yep that sounds about right.
Which brings me to today’s personal lesson about writing and going with the flow. I frequently try to plan my writing out, from outlining to character and location sheets along with lists of equipment and specifics my characters would use. In the writing world this is sometimes called a “plotter” though I like to call it “OCD Planner”. The flip side is called a “pantser” as in flying by the seat of your pants. I don’t do well with just going with the flow, but every time I do the results produce random and, quite frankly, my most creative work.
The point being that as I was sprawled across the dental lounge chair it made me think, “This wasn’t how I had planned for my day to go at all! It’s kind of like I’m pantsing the dentist.” Of course I followed this with a laugh which the dentist didn’t understand, but the point was made. Maybe I should try to be more of a pantser with my writing, because it literally isn’t pulling teeth. Thank you. I’ll be here all night and happy writing!
