Definition
Pantsing means writing by the seat of your pants: drafting without a detailed outline and discovering the story as you go.
Example
A pantser might start chapter one with only a character and a problem, then let plot twists emerge during the draft.
Related terms
Common mistakes
- Assuming pantsing means never planning anything at all.
- Blaming every mid-draft stall on pantsing instead of revisiting story goals.