How to Write a Novel Without Plotting (Intuitive Pantser)

What often works for me is to turn off the pc and go for a walk outside, determined NOT to think about the book - and quite often ideas just pop into my head unbidden. Sometimes these ideas don't pan out when I open the doc and start writing - BUT - sometimes it's like an epiphany. The book I'm currently writing has taken directions I hadn't thought of at all at the start - and quite often, a character's motivation, which hadn't been clear, is suddenly revealed.

I don't think Ellen knows just how much she's helping weary writers.

Really good point about the difference between plotting and Brainstorming. As an Intuitive pantser, I'll brainstorm the ending and climax and a few other interesting scenes, and then when I write, I just work on how do I get in that position.

Tip for people who think better when they’re on the move: listen to your novel in a text-to-speech app while you take a loooong walk. Record your revisions, new ideas, or whole chapters in a voice memo app.

Advice + Timestamps: 1. DON'T PLOT, BUT DO BRAINSTORM 3:13 2. IF YOU NEED MORE DIRECTION, ASK QUESTIONS 6:13 3. ACTIVATE YOUR INTUITION AT THE START OF EVERY WRITING SESSION 8:13 4. READ THE PREVIOUS CHAPTER TO REORIENT TO YOUR STORY 9:56 5. DON'T TRY TO NAIL EVERYTHING IN THE FIRST DRAFT 11:09 6. START EDITING BY ASSESSING HOW YOU FEEL ABOUT THE FIRST DRAFT 13:13 7. GET COMFORTABLE WITH THROWING THINGS AWAY 15:53 8. EDIT THE BIG PICTURE FIRST 17:41 9. HACK YOUR INTUITION WITH SUMMARIES 20:17 10. WORK DEEPLY ON SMALLER SECTIONS 22:57 11. DON'T BE AFRAID OF A TRIAL & ERROR APPROACH 24:27 12. LABEL AND SAVE EVERYTHING 26:19 13. ACCEPT THAT TWO GOOD IDEAS CAN BE INCOMPATIBLE 28:33 14. REMEMBER THERE'S NO RIGHT ANSWER 30:52 15. IF YOU GET STUCK, IT'S OKAY TO LOOK AT METHODOLOGY 33:17

After watching the first video I was thinking, "Intuitive pantser is the rarest type so certainly I'm not that." So I watched the Methodological Pantser and Intuitive Plotter videos. They had some good ideas I'll try but still didn't feel right. Then I started this video and about 5 minutes in, I went, "Nope, totally an Intuitive Pantser." So thank you for this series and all of the tactics to try. It's great to have some ideas for the next time I'm stuck.

you're already right outta the gate with "dont plot" and now i know you know what you're talking about. I'm nearly 100% intuitive pantser--if I try to plot it makes me wanna die inside and I never wanna think about the story again--so i'm excited to see what other tips you have!

I have always known that I write intuitively. But, the writing world seems to be run by plotters and their methodologies are upheld as infinitely better, and even the only legitimate writing method that it is so rare to find writing tips and instructions for pantsers, let alone intuitive ones.This video confirmed that the way I write is 'legitimate'. I've been confronted at writing conferences, events, groups, classes, writing forums, etc with 'plotting is the right way' over and over which is disheartening. While I still kept writing, I never tried to publish. This video has bolstered my belief in my own writing abilities. I wish this was an audio file that I could listen to when I start to doubt myself. Thank you so much. Well worth the wait. I will return to this often to remind myself that intuitive pantsers are real writers too!

3:14 Brainstorm instead of plot 7:16 Brainstorming Questions 8:17 Active your intuition at the start of your writing session 14:06 Break down your novel elements in editing 17:42 Edit the big picture first 30:53 Remember there’s no right answer

Wow... Watching your previous videos on the writer types, I was fairly certain I was a methodological pantser, but now I think I must lean a little more towards this type. Especially the final tip made me chuckle, because I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve discussed problems in my stories with other people, only to suddenly basically tell them to shut up because I got an entirely unrelated idea and I have to pursue it IMMEDIATELY. Anyway, I’d just like to chime in with the chorus of grateful followers and tell you that your videos are invaluable! Thank you so much for the work you put in and the level of (practical and inspiring) detail you go into.

Only 10.5K views? Pity. Ellen dumps a bucket of gems on writers for free and so few of us see her presentations. Another home run!

I've never had someone describe my habits so well as you did. I was feeling so lost, whenever I sat down to plot my ideas, my mind would either blank out or get distracted. But as soon as I'm in the shower, doing chores, dancing to music - I'm plotting away and getting excited. I'm so grateful for this series, I'm definitely going to look at the other types and see where I sit. Thank you so much.

I've been writing for many years and experience the death of my intuition whenever I attempt to plot. Speaking with other people they find it puzzling that I have no idea where the story will be going. I usually have a vague idea but find myself surprised by what I've written and where the story has end up constantly. The advice you've given speaks to me on a deeper level (some of which I've already implemented intuitively, others I might try out), so I would like to thank you genuinely from the bottom of my heart for your work.

When you talked about getting ideas in the shower, I felt that in my soul!🥰

This is the best writing video I have ever seen. You really capture what it's like to be the 'intuitive pantser' type. We are often made to feel bad about how we function, and we hear a lot that this is the wrong way to write a novel or maybe a childish way or we need to do x, y and z to be serious about our work and that we should basically stop being who we are. I was honestly in tears throughout, so thank you for you sensitivity, your compassion and especially for your excellent advice. I was pleasantly surprised at your in-depth tips and your approach. Thank you!

ellen brock, novel editor and renowned author whisperer, tbh 💕

Ellen you are a national treasure. I cannot begin to express how much your insights and instructions have helped my writing. Thank you thank you thank you

I know this sounds cheesy but watching this was such a relief it brought tears to my eyes. Mostly brainstorming. I have to do this and thought it meant I needed to plot, but when I plot I just think. Story done. I know I need to ask questions about my characters to make them feel real and fleshed out. Again, thought that was part of plotting. I was trying again because the story in my head is so complex I know I am having troubles wraping my head around how to remember everything. But to hear everything about how I'm feeling is normal for my type is a relief beyond words. After this, I think I'll go with my gut and just live in my character's head. I've written little notes of what each character needs to have happen, what the story needs to get to the end, and some random subplots. Just an extreme thank you for your idea of how to organize my brain and not feel foolish for feeling so uncomfortable outlining and staring at plot structures and feeling restricted.

Methodological pantser here This video is very helpful! Thank you! I’ll watch it again when I get home so I can write notes

I'm just so happy that YouTube isn't banned in Russia yet and I have the opportunity to watch your videos! Even though I'm certainly not an intuitive pantser, I still find extremely interesting how different types work Thank you!