I’m a pantser. What are you? You know the distinction, yes? A pantser is, as indicated in the name, one who writes from the seat of the pants, without a defined outline or story arc. Suddenly as I write, without my knowledge or consent, I discover that a character does something I hadn’t considered, throwing my idea off track and into a new, unexpected development.

Others are plotters. They have a mental or physical graph of each step in the development of their story. Plotters know where they’re going and how to get there. This makes plotters’ work more efficient and less prone to writer’s block. This roadmap, or structure, helps the author reduce rewrites.

I admire plotters. They do not waste time questioning the goal and how to get there. I have tried to plot. But my mind wants to consider alternatives, to travel down that dusty path that has no clear destination.

In Art Wenk’s talk at our April 19 meeting, we found that Art is a plotter with an inner pantser. He butted his head against rejection time after time, yet never lost his aim, never gave up and never lost his sense of humor. This is a lesson for all of us. Success for writers is hardly ever instant. Read Steven King’s book On Writing if you don’t believe me.

For both pantsers and plotters, there are rules. There are also laws. Trademark laws are inviolable. Join us on May 17 for a lively discussion on trademarks, presented by retired law professor and award-winning author Lucille Ponte (pen name Bridges DelPonte).

Lucille’s presentations are always both entertaining and informative. With her guidance, we’ll explore what trademarks mean, what trademark protects, personal branding issues, potential risks for authors, and how trademarks differ from copyrights. Knowledge of trademark law helps us protect ownership of our work.

Remember, we’re moving into our new meeting place on Saturday May 17. Join us in Browning Hall at St. Hilary’s Episcopal Church, 5011 McGregor Blvd., 10 AM. There will be a crowd there: Saturday is farmer’s market day on the church campus. Park anywhere, even on the lawn. Enter at the side door of Browning Hall. Then after the meeting, take home some veggies.

Today is May Day, a celebration of Spring and the worker’s paradise. I wish for you a day of good work, whether you’re a pantser or a plotter. Mary