What's better in fiction writing, a plot outline or free flow writing?

This is a question that definitely gets asked more than you'd think. When writers get together, whether face-to-face or virtually, the question of working methods always seems to come up. Freeform vs... keep reading →

I think the critical point is what works best for you. For years I was lead to believe that the only way to write a novel, or even an essay, was to write an outline. Turns out, I think that was just the... keep reading →

Frankly, in my opinion, it's not about an outline, a plot, or stream of consciousness writing, it's about whether your story has a voice or not. You can write an outline until you're blue in the face or free... keep reading →

The QUESTION has been asked. When composing fiction which is best, to free write or to outline? What I question is why do writers assume that the two methods of story writing are mutually exclusive? And, while... keep reading →

The quick answer to that is it depends on your story. Some stories, like a straight-forward action-adventure, can be done without an outline in a manner I like to refer to as "wingin' it." Writing it... keep reading →

To outline or not to outline... is that the question? Whether 'tis easier on the writer or better for the story to suffer the drudgery and pain of a formal outline or to take arms against a sea of free-flowing... keep reading →