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

03/11/25 • 47 min

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

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

Support the show

Previous Episode

Beginnings and Endings of Novels with Angela Hunt

Have you ever started a book but struggled to get past the first few chapters? Or maybe you finished one, only to feel let down by the ending? The truth is, beginnings and endings can make or break a novel.
In this week’s episode, I sit down with Christy Award-winning author Angela Hunt to unpack what makes a strong opening that hooks readers and a satisfying ending that keeps them talking.
We’ll cover:
How to craft an opening that keeps readers turning pages
The secret to endings that spark word-of-mouth recommendations
Common mistakes that weaken your novel’s impact
If you want to grab your reader’s attention from page one and leave them with an unforgettable conclusion, listen in or read the blog version.

Support the show

Next Episode

How to Write Your Novel from the Middle

Most authors start writing from the beginning. But what if the beginning is the wrong place to start?

In our most recent episode, I talk with bestselling author and writing teacher James Scott Bell about one of his most powerful ideas: the mirror moment.

You’ll learn

✅ Why the midpoint is more than just the halfway mark
✅ How to turn a sagging middle into your novel’s strongest moment
✅ What Casablanca, Goodnight Moon, and The Cat in the Hat have in common
✅ How one scene can help you fix your beginning, your ending, and everything in between

Whether you’re a plotter or a pantser, listen in or read the blog version of this episode. It will change how you approach your next novel.

Support the show