Outlining versus Winging It

When I write a business letter or report, I outline every point before I start writing. Until recently, when I wrote fiction, I simply sat down and started writing, allowing the characters and their stories to emerge from the mists of my subconscious.

That may work for some kinds of stories, but lately I am increasingly inclined to rely on at least a general outline.

My drafting process has evolved to something like this:

• Idea (often from a dream).
• Let the idea simmer for a few weeks or months (the stronger and more urgent the idea the shorter the "fallow" time will be)
• Write a tentative first chapter. For that, I use no outline or advance planning. I simply let the story go, in order to get to know who the protagonist is and what POV may be appropriate.
• Map out a general outline for the story with a beginning, middle, and end, and perhaps the main sub-plot included. Ending can be sketchy, but at least I have a general idea of where the story is headed.
• Review the outline and refine the first chapter.
• Write a intro paragraphs for the significant events and map out sketchy bios for the main characters with a little back story and their agendas.
• Start writing the first draft.

When I finish the draft, I let it sit for a while -- weeks or perhaps even months -- before I start editing.

Tips? Suggestions? Comments?

Meredith