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08 April 2013

Swimming without a Life Vest, Flying without a Parachute, Writing without Pre-Plotting First

The PWBook of Prompts Challenge is a lifesaver for writers who think of themselves as pantsers -- writing by the seat-of-their-pants without much of an pre-plot in place first.

On the other hand, the Prompts Challenge is a tremendous challenge for writers who think of themselves as plotters. I, for one, revel in pre-plotting and re-plotting and doing it again. To be stripped of a Plot Planner to refer to is like wearing a blindfold and twisted in circles and expect myself to hit the bulls-eye.

Where is does this sensation begin to dig in? When does resistance start to dampen your enthusiasm to continue? Launching into the middle. Of course. Ugh!

Rather than resist writing and the uncomfortable feeling that comes when attempting to juggle several plotlines at once and the uncertainty of where one is headed, simply turn to the next prompt and write. I did and find all sorts of ideas leap to the surface, some questions even answered.

Sounds so simple. If you're a plotter like me, the hardest part is sitting down and turning to the next prompt The PWBook of Prompts. Writing is the fun part. Remember?  You've watched the the Plot Whisperer Youtube channel. You've read my books. You feel the rhythm of the Universal Story coursing through your body.

Go for it! You're allow to write a truly sloppy first draft with absolutely no editing. Think of writing a rough draft one prompt at a time as splashing in puddles, playing in the mud. Write as if no one is watching.

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Knowing what to write where in a story with a plot allows for a more loving relationship with your writing. Whether writing a first draft or revising, if you falter wondering what comes next in a story with a plot, follow the prompts inThe Plot Whisperer Book of Writing Prompts: Easy Exercises to Get You Writing

Today, I write.

To familiarize yourself with the basic plot terms used here and in the PW Book of Prompts:

1) Watch the plot playlists on the Plot Whisperer Youtube channel.


4) Visit: