McAnally's (The Community Pub) > Author Craft

Starting Out

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Doroga's Cousin:
Is it considered a bad idea in the writer's world to think up a book as you go along, instead of planning it out beforehand? Because I had an idea for a story and was going to do some writing, but I wasn't sure if I need a general outline or anything like that. Advice/comments welcome.

OZ:
It is usually considered a bad idea but everyone does it differently. Try it. If it works for you, you will be the exception but it would be a shame to never try. Most authors, if they don't have some plan in advance, will wander.

Kali:
It's not uncommon, in my experience.  I've found it helpful to have a general overview of where I want to go, at least where I want to end up, but I never write complete plot outlines or go chapter by chapter and figure out what I want to have happen in each.  Doing that takes half the fun out of writing, for me.  I like not being entirely sure what's going to happen next, I like finding out as my characters do.  I end up doing a lot more rewriting, but as long as I enjoy it, that's all that matters.

RobJN:
Write by the seat of your pants, or outline the heck out of everything before you jump in -- JUST WRITE. You can always go back and fix it later.

I mostly write-as-I-go, using Jim's "stepping stones" method. Often times, though, the characters take me in a completely different direction. I may do some rewrites every now and then to see if things veer back "on course," but usually find things working better when I follow where the characters lead...

Vantillus Octavious:
Where can i find Jim's stepping stones method at? Got a link?

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