Christian Publishing Show

Discovery Writing 101: How to Craft Gripping Stories Without an Outline


Listen Later

The term "pantser" has been used to describe writing a book without an outline. At writers conferences, outlining and "pantsing" (also known as discovery writing) are often framed as rivals. However, most writers fall between the two extremes.

I've seen successful authors across that spectrum. What truly matters is finding the method that works best for you.

While there are countless books on outlining, there are very few on discovery writing. So how do you learn to "write by the seat of your pants"?

In this month's episode, I interviewed bestselling author Steven James, who shared his secrets for discovery writing—the art of writing "by the seat of your pants" while creating gripping stories.

He shared

✔️ Four questions that can solve any plot problem

✔️ What truly drives a great story to a satisfying ending

✔️ How to use pivots to surprise and satisfy your readers

If you've ever struggled with outlining or wondered if  "pantsing" could work for you, this episode will give you the guidance and courage to give it a try. Listen in or read the blog version to learn more.

Support the show

...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

Christian Publishing ShowBy Thomas Umstattd Jr.

  • 5
  • 5
  • 5
  • 5
  • 5

5

98 ratings


More shows like Christian Publishing Show

View all
The Creative Penn Podcast For Writers by Joanna Penn

The Creative Penn Podcast For Writers

613 Listeners

Breakpoint by Colson Center

Breakpoint

2,989 Listeners

The World and Everything In It by WORLD Radio

The World and Everything In It

6,959 Listeners

Novel Marketing by Thomas Umstattd Jr.

Novel Marketing

310 Listeners

Kingdom Writers: A Podcast for Christian Writers of All Genres by CJ and Shelley Hitz:  Writing Mentor, Author Coach, Christian Writers

Kingdom Writers: A Podcast for Christian Writers of All Genres

141 Listeners

Creative Funding Show by Thomas Umstattd Jr.

Creative Funding Show

21 Listeners

Christian Indie Writers' Podcast by Christian Indie Writers

Christian Indie Writers' Podcast

10 Listeners

Thomas Umstattd Jr. Guestcast by Thomas Umstattd Jr.

Thomas Umstattd Jr. Guestcast

3 Listeners

A Writer's Day by R. A. Douthitt

A Writer's Day

5 Listeners

The Company Podcast with Brad Pauquette by Brad Pauquette

The Company Podcast with Brad Pauquette

4 Listeners

Fantastical Truth by Lorehaven

Fantastical Truth

41 Listeners

Fiction Writing Made Easy | Top Creative Writing Podcast for Fiction Writers & Writing Tips by Savannah Gilbo

Fiction Writing Made Easy | Top Creative Writing Podcast for Fiction Writers & Writing Tips

1,431 Listeners

Your Best Writing Life by Linda Goldfarb

Your Best Writing Life

74 Listeners

Book Marketing Mania - Start a Podcast, Guest on Podcasts, Grow Your Author Platform by Kim Stewart, Podcast Coach for Nonfiction Authors, Christian Entrepreneur

Book Marketing Mania - Start a Podcast, Guest on Podcasts, Grow Your Author Platform

226 Listeners

Essential Guide to Writing a Novel by James Thayer

Essential Guide to Writing a Novel

355 Listeners

Writing Off Social: The Podcast | Build Your Platform and Grow Your Email List Without Social Media by Sandy Cooper

Writing Off Social: The Podcast | Build Your Platform and Grow Your Email List Without Social Media

73 Listeners

The Christian Romance Podcast by Kelly Jo Wilson

The Christian Romance Podcast

3 Listeners