Discovery Writing

By georgelthomas on 19 Sep 2023 • ( 0 )

Hi everyone! I hope you’re all well. Today, I am exploring how to write your story without an outline.

I have talked a lot about outlining stories because it has always been the easiest way for me to write; I have to know where my plot is going before I even start to write it. The problem I have discovered with this is that I sometimes get bored with the story if I know everything about it. When that happens, I often feel like I don’t want to finish it.

Now, after having baulked at the idea of ‘pantsing’ for years, I have decided to try and change up my process a little… which brings me to…

Discovery Writing

What is Discovery Writing?

Discovery writing, also known as pantsing (as in “flying by the seat of your pants”), is the process of writing without an established outline or plan in place. Instead, the writer allows the story to unfold organically, letting characters and plot points develop as you go.

What are the Advantages of Discovery Writing?
If you can get behind the idea, there are a number of advantages to discovery writing. For one, not having an outline allows for greater freedom and spontaneity; by not being confined to a predetermined plot, you can experiment and take risks. If you are open to the process, this can lead to surprisingly innovative plot twists and character developments that may not have been thought of otherwise.

Discovery writing also allows for a greater sense of immersion within the story. As the plot unfolds in real-time, the writer can fully engage with the characters and their motivations, leading to a more authentic and nuanced portrayal of the world they are creating. I have found that I am less likely to be bored by the story because everything is always new, and ideas are freely flowing.

Drawbacks
Of course, there are also some potential drawbacks to discovery writing. Without an established outline, it is easy to lose track of your plot or end up with a convoluted storyline; things can grow so big so quickly, and because of that, it can make it more challenging to stay on track and complete a story within a reasonable timeframe.

I have also found that discovery writing requires concentration and skill. You need to maintain a consistent tone and style whilst you weave in any plot twists or character development effectively. You also require a lot of patience, as the process can be slow and frustrating as you try to reign everything together.

In the end, the decision to use discovery writing or not is a personal one. For those writers who thrive on spontaneity and enjoy the freedom of writing without a plan, discovery writing could be the ideal approach. However, those who prefer a set roadmap to guide them may find traditional outlining the better option.

I think I fall somewhere in the middle: I like to have a little structure, but at the same time, I have to say I enjoyed the freedom to let my story live and grow unrestrained.
Whichever approach you take to writing your story, the trick is to stay open to discovering fresh ideas. After all, writing is a journey, and it’s often all those unexpected detours that bring us to the most rewarding destinations.

Anyway, let me know about your writing process. Do you use the discovery writing process? Outline a story until you know everything? Do you fall somewhere in the middle? Or have you figured out a different way to write your story?

Thank you, as always, for stopping by. I really do value your time.

Until next time,

George