Outlining vs. Pantsing: What Your Core Desires Say About Your Writing Approach

Every writer faces the age-old question: Are you an outliner or a pantser? Some meticulously plan every beat, while others dive in and discover their story along the way. But what if how you write isn’t just a preference but a reflection of your core motivations?

Using the 16 Basic Desires (also known as the Reiss Motivational Desires), we can analyze why certain writers are drawn to one method over the other—and how understanding these internal drivers can help you refine your creative process.

How Motivational Desires Influence Writing Styles

The 16 Basic Desires represent fundamental motivations that shape our behaviors, preferences, and choices. When applied to writing, these desires can indicate whether someone thrives on structure (outlining) or embraces spontaneity (pantsing). Let’s break them down.

Desires That Favor Outlining

Writers with high levels of these desires tend to enjoy planning, structure, and control over their narratives.

1. Order (Desire for Structure and Organization)

• You feel uncomfortable without a plan and prefer things arranged in a logical sequence.

• You likely create detailed outlines, beat sheets, and character profiles before writing.

2. Curiosity (Desire for Knowledge and Learning)

• You enjoy deep research and understanding before starting.

• Worldbuilding, character backstories, and thematic exploration excite you.

• You outline to ensure consistency and prevent contradictions.

3. Saving (Desire to Collect and Preserve)

• You accumulate notes, ideas, and extensive research before writing.

• You likely have folders filled with world lore, character bios, and backup drafts.

4. Power (Desire for Influence and Control)

• You want full control over your narrative and message.

• You prefer structuring your story in advance to avoid surprises.

5. Honor (Desire for Loyalty and Duty)

• You feel an obligation to follow through on a planned vision.

• You want the story to stay true to its themes and original intent.

6. Tranquility (Desire for Emotional Calm and Stability)

• Uncertainty stresses you out, and you prefer a roadmap.

• Outlining reduces anxiety and makes the writing process smoother.

7. Acceptance (Desire for Approval and Belonging)

• You want your work to be polished and respected from the start.

• You outline to ensure your story meets high standards before drafting.

Desires That Favor Pantsing

Writers with high levels of these desires thrive on discovery, spontaneity, and exploration.

1. Independence (Desire for Self-Reliance and Freedom)

• You resist rigid structures and prefer to find your own way.

• You feel creatively stifled by outlines and prefer improvisation.

2. Curiosity (Desire for Knowledge and Learning)

• Just as curiosity fuels outlining, it can also drive pantsing.

• You love uncovering the story as you write, experiencing surprises firsthand.

3. Social Contact (Desire for Companionship and Socializing)

• You enjoy writing sprints, co-writing, and interactive storytelling.

• Pantsing allows for more dynamic, collaborative creativity.

4. Vengeance (Desire to Get Even and Compete)

• You dislike conforming to strict rules or conventional methods.

• You may view outlining as restrictive and take pride in proving you don’t need it.

5. Romance (Desire for Love and Beauty)

• You prioritize emotional depth and natural character chemistry.

• Pantsing allows for organic, evolving character relationships.

6. Idealism (Desire for Social Justice and Fairness)

• You may feel that rigid structures stifle authentic storytelling.

• You trust in the natural flow of the story rather than planning it out.

Low Desires and Their Influence on Writing Style

Sometimes, what you don’t prioritize also shapes how you write.

Low Order → Favor Pantsing

• You don’t need structure and prefer to go with the flow.

Low Tranquility → Favor Pantsing

• You don’t mind uncertainty or creative chaos.

Low Power → Favor Pantsing

• You’re comfortable letting the story take on a life of its own.

Low Independence → Favor Outlining

• You prefer external guidance and a clear path forward.

Low Social Contact → Favor Outlining

• You enjoy solitary, methodical writing rather than collaborative energy.

What If You’re a Mix? (Plotser / Planster)

Many writers fall somewhere in between—part planner, part discovery-writer. Your mix of high and low desires can explain why:

• High Curiosity, High Power, High Independence → Outline major beats but pants scenes.

• High Order, High Curiosity → Detailed worldbuilding, but flexible character arcs.

• Low Order, High Acceptance → Feel pressured to outline but struggle to follow it.

Final Thoughts: Harnessing Your Natural Strengths

Understanding how your desires shape your writing approach can help you refine your process rather than forcing yourself into a mold that doesn’t fit.

• If high Order, Power, and Tranquility resonate with you, embrace outlining.

• If high Independence, Curiosity, and Social Contact sound familiar, pantsing might be your natural fit.

• If you’re caught between the two, experiment with hybrid approaches and adapt as needed.

At the end of the day, the best method is the one that helps you write your best story. Whether that’s through meticulous planning or free-flowing creativity, knowing your motivations will help you find the balance that works for you.