Writers love to debate whether it’s better to outline or discovery write a story. It’s one of those topics that sparks strong opinions. People might be polite about your choice, but deep down, they probably think you’re “doing it wrong” if you don’t agree with them.

That’s the nature of creative work. When something can be done in a hundred different ways, you’ll always find disagreement. But here’s the truth: the process doesn’t matter as long as it gets you to the result you want.

So instead of asking which method is right, the better question is: Which method will help you write the story you want in a way that feels good to you?

That’s what we’re diving into today. We’ll look at the pros and cons of both outlining and discovery writing so you can make an informed choice. Just remember: action creates clarity. The best way to figure out what works for you isn’t by reading blog posts (even this one), it’s by picking a method, writing a story with it, and seeing what you learn.

Once you make that choice, commit to it for at least one project. That’s how you’ll get the clearest sense of what worked, what didn’t, and how to adjust next time.

What Do We Mean by Outlining vs. Discovery Writing?

Before we compare, let’s define the terms:

Outlining (a.k.a. plotting): creating a roadmap before you start writing. Outlines can be loose bullet points of key scenes or highly detailed scene-by-scene plans.

Discovery writing (a.k.a. pantsing): starting without a roadmap. You may know your protagonist and the general idea of the story, but you figure out the details as you go. This method relies on instinct, curiosity, and spontaneity.

Pros of Outlining

1. Clear Direction

Outlining gives you a path forward, which reduces the chance of getting stuck.

For me, this was huge. Most of my early stories ended unfinished. I’d lose steam halfway through because I didn’t know where I was going. Outlining changed that. Especially for longer projects, it kept me motivated because I could see the destination.

If you’ve ever felt lost or abandoned a draft because you didn’t know what came next, outlining might save you from that frustration.

2. Helps With Pacing and Structure

A well-paced story needs intentional structure: inciting incident, rising tension, midpoint reversal, climax. If you don’t know those beats exist, it’s hard to hit them.

Outlining lets you aim for specific targets, which makes it easier to control pacing and avoid saggy middles. Without it, you risk placing key events too early, too late, or missing them altogether.

3. Saves Time in Revisions

Every story needs revisions, but outlines can cut down on the massive rewrites. That’s because you’ve already thought through the big-picture structure before drafting.

In my experience (and with clients I’ve worked with), stories written from an outline usually need fewer structural overhauls. Sure, you’ll still heavily revise, but you might not have to rip out entire subplots just to make the story hold together.

4. Boosts Confidence

Outlines are a safety net, especially if you’re juggling subplots, multiple POVs, or genres with complex conventions (like fantasy epics).

Without one, it’s easy to feel paralyzed by the fear of making a wrong move. But when you’ve mapped out the main beats, character arcs, and subplots, you can write with more confidence. If inspiration strikes and you want to change course, you’ll know exactly what else that change will affect.

Cons of Outlining

1. Can Feel Restrictive

Some writers feel boxed in by outlines. It’s true, following an outline too rigidly can kill spontaneity and surprise.

The trick is to see your outline as a guide, not a set of handcuffs. You can change it anytime. Still, compared to discovery writing, outlining will always feel more structured and less free.

2. Risk of Losing Enthusiasm

For some writers, once the outline is done, the story feels “told.” There’s no mystery left, which makes sitting down to draft less exciting. If that’s you, outlining may drain the joy out of your process.

3. Risk of Procrastination

Outlining can become a form of procrastination. Tinkering with your plot and worldbuilding feels productive, but if you’re endlessly planning instead of writing, it’s worth asking: Am I stalling because I’m scared to start?

Pros of Discovery Writing

1. Freedom and Flexibility

Discovery writing is ultimate creative freedom. You don’t have a ma. You get to make it up as you go. That can unlock surprising ideas you never would’ve thought of if you had locked yourself into an outline.

2. Characters Feel More Authentic

When you let characters lead the way, their choices often feel organic. This can give them more agency and make them come alive. (Of course, this only works if their actions truly drive the story. Otherwise, you risk aimless wandering.)

3. Keeps You Engaged and Curious

Discovery writing can be exhilarating because you never quite know what’s going to happen next. Personally, I love using it for short fiction because it keeps me hooked in the drafting process.

4. Opportunity for Organic Themes

Themes often emerge naturally in discovery drafts, which can feel like uncovering buried treasure. It’s not inherently better than a planned theme, but it can feel magical when it happens.

Cons of Discovery Writing

1. Higher Risk of Dead Ends

Because you’re inventing as you go, it’s easy to write yourself into corners or let subplots fizzle. Sometimes, the story just runs out of steam, and you never finish.

2. Revisions Can Be Brutal

Without a roadmap, the first draft can be messy. That often means heavier structural revisions. It’s doable, but it can be draining.

3. Harder to Manage Complex Stories

If you’re juggling multiple POVs, intricate timelines, or layered subplots, discovery writing can get overwhelming fast. You’ll likely spend a lot of revision time straightening it all out.

4. Overwhelm From Too Many Options

Unlimited freedom can feel paralyzing. Without clear milestones, progress can be hard to measure, which sometimes leads to frustration or giving up.

Hybrid Approached

If neither method sounds perfect, good news: you can mix and match.

Discovery Outlining

Brainstorm wildly at first, then distill your favorite options into a loose outline. This scratches the creative itch while giving you a guide.

Loose Outlines

Some writers only nail down the premise or five key plot points, then discovery write the rest. This gives direction without over-structuring.

The beauty of writing is that you can design your own process.

How to Decide

First, consider your personality.

Do you tend to strive with structure or freedom? Are you the kind of person who feels more energized by structure? Or do you feel more energized when you have the freedom to do whatever feels most important?

Next, consider your experience level.

If you’re newer to writing, you may benefit from some outlining as it can give you an idea of what structure your story will need to be its best. If you have more experience, you might be able to trust your instincts a bit more as you write.

Lastly, consider your project.

Complex, multi-layered stories may demand more planning. Simpler or experimental works may thrive with discovery writing.

Feel free to try both and various combinations of each. See what helps you produce the result you want: a finished draft. But like I said in the beginning, action creates clarity. So just pick a process and give it a go.

Conclusion

Neither outlining nor discovery writing is better. What matters is what helps you finish and enjoy the journey.

If you’ve already found your process, I’d love to hear what it is in the comments. If you haven’t yet, let me know which one you think might suit you best, and then commit to trying it on your next project.