I've tried the spontaneous approach to writing before, but usually not much good comes out of this approach, for me at least. I find it much easier if I plan everything ahead of time. For me, planning is often the fun part! When I actually get down to writing, I do try to stick to the plan, but often I stretch or, more rarely, completely break it as the story takes a life of its own and inspiration starts to really come. My plans are usually pretty detailed. I even try to plan what would happen in every chapter (although that's the hardest part to adhere to).
I guess it depends on the size and complexity for your story. As for me right now, I'm working on a very detailed fantasy novel which required me to plan a good amount of it, so I wouldn't forget any minor sub-plot idea's and characters throughout the story. But I'm also one of those writers that have a hard time just spontaneously start writing good stuff, I have to think about it before I put out a good story. And just because you plan it, doesn't mean it won't offer flexibility, there is always room for changes you can make. After all, it is your story.
The problem I've found with planning is that it doesn't allow the story to breath and develop on its own. At times, people will plan and scrutinize so much that they will become zealously dedicated to their planned stuff.
I guess it depends whether you want to do most of your editing after you've spent ages writing raw material, or you'd rather examine your story for potential errors before you've even written it, saving time in the process. Just like taking a walk, some people would rather know there was a dead end up ahead so they don't have to re-trace their steps, whereas others won't want to know what's up ahead, even if it means taking the risk that they will waste their time coming back the same way. The simple truth is that, unless you're an unbelivable genius, you will have to do some planning - either before or in the editing stage - to make your story balanced, your characters consistent and your narrative flow well. I've never met anyone who has been able to sit down and just write and have it turn out ok.
If it's a larger story, I'm definitely planning, if it's a short story, I'm probably winging it because I know what I want and will most likely finish it in one sitting, maybe two if I'm interrupted. As far as the amount of planning on the larger stories, it's dependent on the complexity. In general, I get an idea in my head, usually a start or an end, if not both, and I work to get that out first. In a short story, there isn't much to put in, so it's easier to wing it, but in a larger story, I need to plan out what's going to happen and have it written down somewhere so that I can sit down later and pick up where I left off without too much trouble. Generally, if it's not a complex story, I'll just plan out major plot points. Group of good guys chase bad guy after their village is wasted ->Person A dies ->Person B was a traitor ->Person C vanishes -> MC defeats main boss's last underling -> Person C shows up having killed Person B-> MC and C take on final boss As an example. If it's more complex story, or if I really want to make sure I'm getting a good consistency on my first run through, I'll plan out each chapter's main point, as if it was a TV show. Each chapter is going to be an episode, and I just say "In chapter N, Person A manages to overcome the trials and get the sword" Then when I later go to sit down and type it up, I just kind of fill everything in as I go and the specific actions that happen, the details that show up, and the transition of events are usually already there just waiting to be typed by my fingers. This work for me, as I can always write, regardless of how motivated I am. If I'm not all that up to writing, but need/want to make progress, it's enough for me to write, and if I really want to later, I can add in a bit of details if I feel it's lacking (thought it's usually fine). If I'm really motivated and in the mood for writing, I have the course set, but it's not really specific, so the route taken is still entirely up to my muse to decide.
Usually, I tend to over-plan just a bit. But, most of the time, it's because I have the idea for a fantasy that takes plan in a completely different world from ours, so I want to be familiar with the animals, the people, the setting, the history, etc of it.
I plan the start, some things in the middle, and I like to know how it ends. Not everything is set in stone, though.
Me too, Summoner. Sometimes when I start with an idea, parts of it just explode in my mind. I write them down as fast as I can, and when I have enough to get the ball rolling, I begin. Knowing the ending is very important to me. But I always tend to go for happy endings, so I don't always know how they end. I just know they end happy. T
It depends on "how" I plan that determines whether my plan is any good or not. I often start overthinking, and force the action on my characters rather than let them go and see what comes out of it. No matter how well I plan something out, my characters seem find a way to mess it up real good.
