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Imagine embarking on a road trip with no map, GPS, or specific destination. For some, the thought may cause anxiety. But for others, the thrill of the unknown—discovering new paths and surprises along the way—is exhilarating.
This is the mindset behind discovery writing, a process in which writers explore their stories without rigid plans or outlines, allowing the characters, plot, and world to unfold organically as they write. This method is often associated with pantsers—writers who "fly by the seat of their pants," discovering their narrative as they go rather than outlining every step beforehand.
While discovery writing may seem daunting to those who love a clear roadmap, it’s a creative approach that can lead to unexpected twists, rich character development, and spontaneous moments of brilliance.
This week on Creativity Matters, we’ll delve into the beauty and challenges of discovery writing, explore how pantsers thrive in the unknown, and provide tips for embracing this free-spirited writing style.
What is Discovery Writing?
Discovery writing is the process of starting a story with little to no pre-planned structure. Pantsers begin with a vague idea—perhaps a character, setting, or situation—but allow the rest of the story to evolve as they write.
Unlike plotters, who meticulously outline their stories from start to finish, discovery writers embrace spontaneity. Their stories often surprise them along the way, with plot developments and character arcs revealing themselves naturally.
This method is not about a lack of preparation but about leaving room for creative instincts to guide the narrative. Discovery writers trust that their subconscious is working on the story in the background, even if they aren’t consciously mapping out every detail in advance.
Why Discovery Writing Works (for Some Writers)
While outlining can provide structure for creative minds who feel they need it, too much planning can feel restrictive for others, like trying to fit their creativity into a box.
For these writers, discovery writing, on the other hand, offers a sense of freedom. It allows them to stay excited about their story because, just like their readers, they don’t know what will happen next.
It Encourages Spontaneity and Creativity
Discovery writing thrives on unpredictability. Without a rigid outline, pantsers are free to follow wherever their imagination leads them. This spontaneity often results in fresh, exciting plot twists or character revelations that might not have occurred through careful planning.
It Keeps the Writing Process Exciting
One of the greatest joys of discovery writing is uncovering the story as it unfolds. Just like a reader turns the page to find out what happens next, a pantser writes each sentence with the same curiosity. This excitement can keep motivation high and prevent the burnout that sometimes comes with meticulously planned projects.
It Feels Natural
For some writers, outlining a story can feel artificial or forced. Discovery writing mirrors the organic nature of storytelling, as it has been passed down for generations, allowing the story to grow and take shape naturally. Pantsers often feel more connected to their characters and plot because they discover the story in real time, just as the characters would.
The Challenges of Discovery Writing
While discovery writing offers freedom and excitement, it also comes with its own set of challenges. Pantsers often need to navigate specific obstacles that don’t always affect plotters. However, with the right mindset and strategies, these challenges can be overcome.
Risk of a Disorganized Plot
One of the main critiques of discovery writing is that without a solid plan, the story can meander or lose focus. Pantsers sometimes find themselves with a messy plot or unclear direction, which may require heavy editing later on.
However, the beauty of discovery writing is that the revision stage becomes an opportunity to refine the structure without sacrificing the creativity of the initial draft.
Solution: Keep track of emerging plot points and themes as you go. Even if you don’t outline beforehand, jotting down key moments or character motivations during the process can help you keep the narrative grounded without stifling your creativity.
The “Stuck” Moments
Like we talked about last week, every writer—pantser or plotter—faces moments of writer’s block. However, discovery writers may feel particularly stuck when they haven’t pre-planned their next move. Without a roadmap, these moments can be incredibly frustrating.
Solution: When you hit a roadblock, step back from your writing and think about your characters. Ask yourself what they want, what’s in their way, and what would happen if they didn’t get what they desire. Diving deeper into character motivations will often spark a new plot direction.
The Editing Challenge
Discovery writing may result in a more extensive revision process. Because you’re uncovering the story as you write, the first draft might contain inconsistencies or plot holes that need to be addressed in later drafts.
While plotters might have a more streamlined editing process, pantsers may need to dedicate significant time to refining their story.
Solution: Embrace the editing process as part of the discovery journey. The goal of discovery writing is to get your raw ideas on the page, and revision is where you refine and polish those ideas. Rather than seeing it as a chore, think of editing as the second stage of creativity, where you can shape your wild story into something cohesive and powerful.
Tips for Embracing Discovery Writing
If the idea of discovery writing appeals to you, here are a few tips to help you dive into this style with confidence:
Start with a Spark
Discovery writing doesn’t mean starting from nothing. Many pantsers begin with a single spark—a character, a situation, or an intriguing idea. Let this spark guide you, and allow the story to unfold naturally from that initial inspiration.
Trust the Process
Discovery writing requires a lot of trust in yourself as a writer. Trust that your subconscious is working on the story in the background. Trust that your characters will reveal themselves to you. And trust that you will find a way to weave everything together when it’s time to revise.
Allow Yourself to Be Surprised
One of the greatest joys of being a pantser is the sense of surprise that comes from discovering the story as you write. Embrace this feeling. Don’t worry if you take a detour or if things don’t go as planned. Sometimes, the best stories are the ones that surprise you along the way.
Use the Revision Stage as a Tool
Remember that the first draft is just that—a draft. Once you’ve completed your discovery draft, you can impose structure, fix plot holes, and tighten the narrative in the editing stage. See revision as an essential part of the process, not a punishment for writing without an outline.
Want More Tools for Discovery Writing?
If you’re ready to embrace the excitement and freedom of discovery writing but need a little extra guidance, The Ultimate Writing Project Workbook is the perfect resource for you.
Whether you’re a pantser looking for ways to stay organized or simply someone who wants to dive deeper into the art of storytelling, this free workbook offers exercises, prompts, and tools to help you unlock your creativity while keeping your writing on track.
With this resource, you’ll have the tools you need to explore your story, refine your ideas, and discover new ways to bring your characters and plots to life. Remember—every great story begins with an inkling, and sometimes, the best journeys are the ones we don’t plan.
Ready to take the plunge? Download your copy of The Ultimate Writing Project Workbook today, and start writing your next great adventure—no roadmap required!
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