There’s no one-size-fits-all method to writing. And while some writers love planning everything, others don’t. But what if there’s a compromise between the two?
The flashlight method blends the structure of being a plotter and the spontaneity of being a pantser. Let’s take a look at how you can use it to create your story.
The Flashlight Method
Picture this: you’re on a dark path, holding a flashlight. You can’t see anything but whatever your beam illuminates. The rest of the path remains hidden until you step forward and shine a light on what comes next.
This is the flashlight method. You focus on a small part of your story at a time rather than trying to write it all at once. You don’t need to abandon structure completely—just allow some room for spontaneity.
It’s not a modern technique. Its core concept—discovering a story as you write—is an age-old approach to storytelling. Many writers and oral storytellers didn’t rely on rigid outlines or structured writing methods, but followed the flow of their imagination instead.
Why Use the Flashlight Method?
Unlike traditional outlining, where you plan everything before you start writing, the flashlight method allows you to discover the story as it goes. It’s a hybrid method that every plotter and pantser can appreciate.
From the start, it relieves the pressure of perfectionism. You don’t need to know the whole story. In fact, not knowing is part of the process! The writing process is less intimidating when you narrow your attention to what’s in front of you, rather than tackling an entire story at once.
As you build your narrative, you’ll discover changes in direction, storytelling, and other details. Adapting will be easier since you haven’t committed to a structure yet.
Tips
Here is how you can put the flashlight method to use.
Start with a loose idea.
A basic concept gives you a place to start without locking you into a specific path. It could be a character, a setting, or a certain event. Condense it into a single sentence to keep you grounded.
Maybe you have an idea about a detective in a small town or a scene where two friends reunite. From there, let your imagination take the lead. You won’t know where it is going, but it will develop as you write.
Focus on the scene at hand.
The key to the flashlight method is taking it one scene at a time. Forget about the overall plot. Your only concern is where you’re at now.
Immerse yourself in the scene. What is currently happening? What do your characters feel? Where are they?
The next part of the story will reveal itself when you’re ready. Worrying about the unseen and over-preparing can be counterproductive, especially if you end up not using your plans.
Trust your instincts.
Using the flashlight method means surrendering some control. You might have planned for your character to go in one direction, but as you write, they could do something unexpected.
New ideas pop into your head all the time. Don’t ignore them. These spontaneous decisions can often lead to the most exciting parts of your story. If something surprises you while writing, it will probably surprise your readers too.
Edit later.
Resist the temptation to rework scenes before the entire draft is done. Remember, you’re just exploring the story right now.
Editing will slow you down and trap you in a cycle of perfectionism. If you’re itching to edit, jot down your thoughts on the side. Return to them once you’ve finished the draft. This way, you can keep track of ideas without interrupting your flow.
Create checkpoints.
A disadvantage to the flashlight method is that it’s easy to get lost. While you’re writing scene by scene, it’s helpful to take note of plot points as they develop. It doesn’t have to be detailed, just enough to keep you on track.
Be consistent.
While the flashlight method encourages free-form exploration, it can lead to inconsistencies. Be mindful of what you’ve already written, so the story ahead aligns with what’s behind.
Inconsistencies also happen when you only use this method in spots rather than the entirety of your piece. This will create scenes and passages that are boring and make no sense. While you can fix them later on, it’s also good to avoid inconsistencies in the first place.
Get to the end.
Another problem with this method is that your story can wander. You’ll keep exploring but never experience progress, much less find a satisfying ending.
If you’re unsure of how to end your story, think back to your original concept, themes, and the key events you’ve uncovered. They’ll bring your story back on track and towards a natural ending.
Balancing Structure and Creativity
The flashlight method is the best of both worlds. As you write, new ideas, characters, or plot twists can emerge naturally, and you can adjust the course of the story without worrying about sticking to a predetermined plan.
The beauty of this approach is in its flexibility. By writing one scene at a time, you can let your story surprise you and evolve in ways you never expected.
What do you think of the flashlight method? Share them below!
If you enjoyed this post, then you might also like:
- The Snowflake Method: How to Outline Your Next Novel
- Story Structure: Building Your Narrative
- Writing Quiz: Are You a Plotter or a Pantser?
Cole is a blog writer and aspiring novelist. He has a degree in Communications and is an advocate of media and information literacy and responsible media practices. Aside from his interest in technology, crafts, and food, he’s also your typical science fiction and fantasy junkie, spending most of his free time reading through an ever-growing to-be-read list. It’s either that or procrastinating over actually writing his book. Wish him luck!
