> you also need a well-thought out outline for any larger work like a novel
Hasn't been the case for me so far. Every story and essay I've written started with an idea. If there is an outline, it gets thrown away page 2 and never returns. On my second novel and this still hasn't changed.
My writing is actually better this way because I start with characters and plot emerges as they deal with the forces around them. I never know how they will react until they do.
I program the same way. Write a bit, revise, write a bit, revise. Drives some people nuts if they see the process, but the end result has been just as good or better than my coworkers throughout my career. (I'm a huge fan of tests. My revise step includes adding tests.)
Hasn't been the case for me so far. Every story and essay I've written started with an idea. If there is an outline, it gets thrown away page 2 and never returns. On my second novel and this still hasn't changed.
My writing is actually better this way because I start with characters and plot emerges as they deal with the forces around them. I never know how they will react until they do.
I program the same way. Write a bit, revise, write a bit, revise. Drives some people nuts if they see the process, but the end result has been just as good or better than my coworkers throughout my career. (I'm a huge fan of tests. My revise step includes adding tests.)