74. Capture Story Ideas with Discovery Drafts

Erin P.T. Canning
May 28, 2025
7:57 pm
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Do you start writing fervently but get lost in the murky middle? Or have you ever had an idea for a story but you're not sure where to start? And sitting down to write a massive number of words feels intimidating?

In today’s episode, learn how discovery drafts can help you capture your story idea much more quickly—and provide flexibility for pantsers.

Topics discussed in this episode:

Two case stories
What is a discovery draft?
What goes into a discovery draft?
Many benefits
Structuring your discovery draft
Developmental edits vs manuscript evaluations
Join writing sprints and get my prompts

Resources discussed:

Document navigation with styles in episode 25
Different types of editors article

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Tags: first draft, writers block, writing, writing tips

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ABOUT ME

Erin P.T. Canning has worked for 20 years as an editor, encouraging each writer’s individual voice and strengthening their writing goals.

She always planned to write a book, but life had a tendency to distract her. After dedicating six years of her life to motherhood and discovering her ADHD, she started writing again, even though she feared her writing skills had atrophied.

After letting go of her perfectionism, Erin finally finished her own shitty first draft and released her fantasy romance novel, Ruins and Redemption, in 2023. Her current role as a podcaster and book coach enables her to help writers pursue their author dreams.