Outlining
The writer undertakes extensive world building and planning before drafting begins. The overall story structure; plus major characters, themes, and plot twists, are outlined.
Advantages
- Reduces the likelihood of omitting important characters/scenes/plot points, etc.
- Gives the writer a road map to fall back on if the story goes astray.
- Theoretically speeds up the actual writing process, which can become as simple as filling in the outline.
- Minimizes the risk of wasting time and effort by becoming disenchanted with the story after writing several chapters.
- Can delay the start of writing by encouraging endless world building.
- Promotes excessive exposition on background concepts like magic systems, fantasy world history, character origin stories, etc.
- Runs the risk of turning the art of writing into a sterile, paint-by-numbers exercise.
Organic/Discovery Writing
The author gets an idea and just starts writing about it, letting the story develop organically.
Advantages
- Minimal risk of writer's block due to incessant world building.
- Easier to make changes rather than scrapping a whole story.
- Greater freedom to "follow characters" who take the plot in unexpected directions.
- Lowers the risk of scenes/characters/plot twists feeling forced.
Flaws
- No reference to fall back on. "Working without a safety net".
- Easier to forget important concepts/plot points.
- Increased risk of writer's block from lack of direction.
- Greater chance of a meandering, bloated narrative.
- Avoiding flow/pacing problems takes strong self-discipline.
- Higher risk of continuity errors.
For a more in-depth treatment of this subject, Writing Excuses has an excellent discussion on discovery writing and several on outlining.
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