✍️ Is it really necessary to plan everything before writing?

Why shift from controlling the mind to the fluidity of the heart?

Hi! Hi!

Remember? Last week, we looked at how our minds can hold us back and how to put them aside a little to make life easier.

Following that article, I received a question from Lou B. that I think is essential for any creator:

“How could relying on intuition help me when I already plan all my stories?”

This is a point I love to discuss (I was talking about it with my intern recently). People often contrast organization with letting go, but the difference between the two is crucial for your creative energy.

🧠 Writing through the mind: the architect's effort

When you plan everything, you are in control. You make a conscious effort to imagine, you do research, you decide on the trajectory of each scene.

The upside: It's reassuring. Your mind feels secure because it knows the destination.

The downside: It's extremely energy-consuming. It's a process that can become rigid and leaves little room for the magic of the unexpected.

✨ Writing through intuition: the fluidity of the channel

Conversely, when you draw on your intuition, you don't “create” something from scratch: you channel it.

• The principle: The story is already there, somewhere. You simply transcribe it.

• The feeling: You let yourself be carried along. It's fluid, because there's no brute force of will involved, just active listening to what your characters and your universe want to tell you.

Why make the switch to intuitive writing?

Not all of us are cut out for structuring, filling out character sheets, and following meticulous plans. On the other hand, we all have intuition. It's part of our nature.

Choosing intuition over mental planning gives you three precious gifts:

• Massive time savings: Say goodbye to months spent on complex plans or endless research before you've even written the first line.

• Total fluidity: You write in one go. The blockages that usually force major rewrites disappear.

• Vibrant authenticity: Intuition is directly connected to the heart. Your story exudes an organic emotion that the mind often struggles to simulate.

✍️ And you, what is your “method”?

Are you more of an “Architect” who controls everything with your mind, or a “Channel” who lets yourself be surprised by your intuition? Does your current planning free you up or does it end up imprisoning you?

Tell me everything in the comments! I'm curious to hear about your challenges.

In fact, I'm preparing an upcoming article to tell you how this switch radically transformed my intern's work. You'll see, it's amazing!

I look forward to reading your comments.

Johanna