> [!cite]- Metadata > 2025-06-23 01:41 > Status: > Tags: [[5 - Atlas/Tags/Architecture]] [[3 - Sapience/Knowledge/A - Concepts/Systems Theory/Emergence]] [[Gardener]] [[5 - Atlas/Tags/Character]] [[Fiction]] [[Technique]] [[5 - Atlas/Tags/Theory]] [[Thinking]] [[5 - Atlas/Tags/Worldbuilding]] [[5 - Atlas/Tags/Voice]] [[5 - Atlas/Tags/Writing]] `Read Time: 2m 15s` >The "Architect vs. Gardener" analogy originates from narrative theory and writing craft - especially from the world of novel writing. *Origins of the Architect vs Gardener Dichotomy* - Popularized by George R.R. Martin, in interviews about his writing process (notably in a 2011 interview with The Guardian) - Earlier roots: the tension between planning and improvisation has long existed in writing and creative theory - echoes of it can be found in: - Coleridge's idea of organic form vs. mechanical form - E.M. Forster's discussion of plot vs story in Aspects of the Novel - Aristotle's Poetics, where structure is idealized, but imitation of nature is essential *Architect Writers* Definition: Architects meticulously plan their work before beginning, often outlining, structuring plot arcs, character development, and world details with precision. Key Ideologies - Form precedes content - narrative obeys a preconceived structure - Plot as design - events are engineered to achieve narrative function - Control is paramount - surprise is minimized for the sake of cohesion Traits: - Detailed outlines - Character arcs mapped in advance - Worldbuilding is comprehensive before writing begins Famous Examples: - J.K. Rowling - famously plotted Harry Potter with detailed spreadsheets - Brandon Sanderson - outlines thoroughly and even teaches structured writing - Robert McKee - author of Story, strongly advocated structured storytelling - Ian McEwan - his stories are tightly structured, often conceived before a word is written *Gardener Writers* Definition: Gardeners plant a seed (an idea, a character, a situation) and discover the story as they write, allowing it to evolve organically. Key Ideologies: - Emergence over structure - the story reveals itself through writing - Characters lead the way - plot arises from their decisions - Discovery writing - the writer uncovers the world and events as the characters do Traits: - Looser planning - Characters may surprise even the author - Revisions are often where structure is imposed Famous Examples: - George R.R. Martin - lets his characters guide the plot - Stephen King - calls himself a "pantser" (writing by the seat of his pants), as explained in On Writing. - Haruki Murakami - allows stories to unfold dreamlike, often without knowing the ending in advance. - Margaret Atwood - has spoken of improvisation and letting narrative evolce. *Hybrid Approaches (The Middle Way)* Some writers blend both approaches - planning major moments while allowing freedom in-between. Examples: - Neil Gaiman - says he follows where the story goes, but often has tentpoles - Toni Morrison - had an idea of the emotional arc of a story and explored it through layered language - Ursula K. Le Guin - began with characters and worlds, but reworked structure during revision stages. --- *In Broader Creative Practice* The Architect vs. Gardener framework has extended to: - Design (rigid frameworks vs. emergent strategies) - Urban Planning (Le Corbusier vs. Jane Jacobs) - Philosophy (rationalism vs. empiricism) - Software Development (waterfall vs. agile) --- ### **References** [[Brainstorming]] [[Building a Character Onion]] [[Narrative Shape and the Tension Graph]] [[The Engines of Fiction]] [[The Power of Myth]] [[Writing Vivid Description & Animism]]