Writing Excuses Writing Excuses 4.19: Discovery Writing
May 17, 2010
Discover the intriguing world of discovery writing and how it contrasts with outlining. Embrace spontaneity as characters evolve through dialogue, creating organic narratives. Learn to balance structure with creativity, especially in humorous writing. The power of collaborative brainstorming can lead to more engaging and satisfying endings. Finally, navigate the art of discovery writing while recognizing the importance of revision, complete with tips and prompts to spark your storytelling journey.
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Writers on a Spectrum
- Writers exist on a spectrum between outlining and discovery writing, not just two distinct types.
- Discovery writing often suits characters and settings, while outlining fits epic plots better.
Struggling to Flow in Discovery
- Brandon describes struggling for 20 minutes on the first paragraphs before the writing flows smoothly.
- This illustrates the discovery writing process of hot wiring and gaining momentum as you write.
Use False Starts Effectively
- Use false starts to explore and discover your characters by writing them in various scenarios.
- Capture interesting dialogue or scenes even in false starts and set them aside for later development.
