How much do you plan before you start writing?

allmadhere Level 1

August 8, 2018, 2:10 pm

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I guess this mostly applies to fiction writers... When you have an idea, how much planning do you do before you start writing? Do you map out characters, dates, places, etc? If so, just a little bit of info, or full bios on each character? Or do you skip the planning and just start writing?

I tend to jump in and write, just to get my thoughts down before I lose them...and then go back and do some planning. But I feel like I could plan all day, and not get any writing done as a result.

Which way works best for you?

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Corzhens

Corzhens

This is not to brag but I also have written some short fiction stories aside from my blogs. I usually write when my head is filled up with ideas otherwise I try to cultivate what's on my mind or jot down the ideas in order to let it grow. When I was blogging, I could write one blog in a day and the development takes just 1 or 2 hours. But there are times that it takes me days before I could make up a complete idea for a blog.

8 years ago

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lei08pineda

lei08pineda

Wow you are good. I admire you for that. I cannot imagine myself writing for just a day. I find it hard to organize my thoughts. I need to improve a lot.

8 years ago

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ashmattfan

ashmattfan

I agree with you I love writing so much but it is hard to organize my thoughts. I want to write a love story but I don't know how to start. Can anyone out there help me?

8 years ago

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RhealaineS

RhealaineS

I agree with you. With all modesty, I don't prepare before I write. I only write when creativity strucks me. Ideas flow freely and I'm not having a hard time thinking about what to write. I don't force myself because whenever I do, I don't feel satisfied with my output.

8 years ago

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Steve5

Steve5

That's awesome. I think more people should learn to create content on a regular basis. It's hard at first. But the more you learn, the easier it becomes. Hard work is just something that's always there.

8 years ago

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stbrians

stbrians

You are a great writer. I wish I was like you. I have no story in my name. I wanted to publish a novel but my English is bad. I do not create good sentence structures.

8 years ago

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jeffreyjose48

jeffreyjose48

I would like to have much plan on writing. I believe that the writing that was planned very well will be a good writing than just by chance. Planning what to writes needs much of my time.

8 years ago

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Kakashi2020

Kakashi2020

It really depends on the content I'm writing. If I'm familiar with the topic I can finish a 500 word story or article in about 2-3 hours. What I do is to jot down the topic and subtopics and begin writing on the subtopic I'm most familiar with. Eventually my mind would begin to churn out ideas, facts relative to the topic, I would then build sentences and paragraphs until I get a smooth flow. With a bit of research I would then add other facts until the article is finished. I would then proof read it a couple of times and after tweaking it a bit another proofreading and grammar check until it's free from any mistakes. I would put the time spent from beginning to submission to about 3 hours. After which I would rest for a couple of hours before I write another article.

8 years ago

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treecko142

treecko142

I usually work on the outline and do some research first before I start writing, for research and other informational purposes. For fiction, I usually just write on the fly whatever concept I think about.

8 years ago

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amelia88

amelia88

It honestly depends for the content I’m writing. Sometimes I don’t do any planning at all, and just let my ideas flow to the page. Other times when the writing is more formal in nature, I definitely get a plan in my mind (and often on paper) before I get started.

8 years ago

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NesMarcos

NesMarcos

Same applies with me. I just let the ideas flow freely. After let it flow, I organize my thoughts, proof read, adjust if anything needs an adjustment, then everything follows.

8 years ago

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ballyhara

ballyhara

A lot! but most of the time, I tend to have some ideas in my head, and eventually the story turns out different. I don't know if this happens to a lot of writers, but more often than not, I start with an idea, and then according to more ideas that come to my mind, the story has a twist, and it becomes something else. I used to do some writing when I was younger, but unfortunately, nowadays I have so much work and don't have time enough to write.

8 years ago

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NesMarcos

NesMarcos

Having a twist in the story sometimes happens when there are a lot of ideas wanted to flow and express. Since you've mentioned that you don't write these days due to hectic schedule, I suggest do not stop writing. It is fun and enhancing it more will make your writing skill flawless.

8 years ago

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ballyhara

ballyhara

Thanks a lot NesMarcos, I've been thinking about taking back writing. I don't consider myself a writer, but just a person that usually express her feelings better by writing than by talking. Usually that's what happens to me, I have a lot of experiences, thoughts, ideas, that I would like to tell, but I feel more confident when I put them in paper.

8 years ago

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Kakashi2020

Kakashi2020

Over the years I have developed an outline that works for me and that I'm accustomed to. So I don't really plan anything, I just follow my outline. Sometimes I'll even ditch the outline and write instinctively.

8 years ago

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ballyhara

ballyhara

That's one of the best things to do, to feel your gut and follow your inspiration, and write about anything that makes you express yourself. However, I just can't avoid to think or overthink about what I'm writing, maybe it's because I want it to be a good job, instead of just use writing as an inner expression tool.

8 years ago

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Alymae

Alymae

I am into writing fiction since I was in High School. I was only doing it for fun. I don't get into planning like you, when ideas come I write them down and just let it flow. The result is I jump from story to story. I haven't finish and there's another one. So what I do, I set a goal. I made a promise to myself to finish a story first before beginning another one which is very hard for me to do. Sometimes it works, mostly it doesn't.

8 years ago

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Martinsx1

Martinsx1

Everything depends on the nature of what you are looking forward to writing on. If it's a writing project that requires extensive research, then it's better not to rush things and get all the facts needed to write an excellent article. Normally, I take all the time in the world to write whatever I need to write because I always like to give my best.

8 years ago

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DenisP

DenisP

It might mostly apply to writers of fiction, but as a non-fiction writer I can safely say that a decent amount of planning goes into my writing. I sometimes find it a tad bit difficult to reach my quota of a certain number of words per page, so I find it easier to split a topic into sections that I then fill out piece by piece. I have a kind of formatting I use in order to make the whole writing process much faster and easier as opposed to just sitting down and trying to aimlessly type away.

8 years ago

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MomoStarr16

MomoStarr16

It is better to plan first before going into the writing phase. You can do it with out plan but sometimes it cause to have a worst writting.

8 years ago

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fishbate

fishbate

Creative writing is really about the details of a content. Usually everything starts with an idea or just a simple story in mind. This is where all the planning begins. People is enticed with stories and contents that have more details and twist. That's why a well planned content is really advisable.

8 years ago

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Youngshark

Youngshark

I tend to collect ideas more randomly. Like when I am doing something totally unrelated to writting and then a thought comes to mind I just whip out my phone and record it. I later build up on it to get a nice story.

8 years ago

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NesMarcos

NesMarcos

I also do the same thing. Sometimes when I do some other things, then something popped up in my mind, I save it to my phone or I record it. When it is my time to write, I organize all the thoughts popped up in my mind which I recorded on my phone. Then everything follows.

8 years ago

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Youngshark

Youngshark

Its a nice way of recording random thoughts. Especially when you might be tied for time in other chores or in a meeting. Later on you can think freely about the ideas and you will have avoided thinking about them at the wrong time. It therefore enhances efficiency.

8 years ago

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NesMarcos

NesMarcos

I would have to agree with you. Recording random thoughts in our mind on phones or even a recorder will help us focus more on our current task like you said, when we are in a meeting or anywhere else that also needs focus.

8 years ago

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Youngshark

Youngshark

There is nothing more annoying than that random thought which keeps nagging you when you might be busy and you have no way of getting rid of it. Writing it down however can enable you to put it off for the moment and focus on the current things.

8 years ago

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NesMarcos

NesMarcos

I feel exactly the way you do. It is truly annoying having random thoughts nudging your head once in awhile while doing some things to prioritize like other jobs. Time management is also one of the factors to consider especially if there is a deadline to meet.

8 years ago

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jaymish3

jaymish3

I'm not a fictional writer, but what I know is that fictional writers vary.I know some that plan to the last sentence. They go to other Countries, carry out research and then they sit down and write. However they are others that let the charters write themselves. You don't have a particular character in place, they just unfold as you go. I think that this is a real writer, their characters tend to be unique.

8 years ago

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Youngshark

Youngshark

I believe that even for such articles or books one has to plan. Like you need to make sure that all your characters fall into place perfectly and the story flows in a desirable manner. Correct me if wrong because a majority of waht I have been doing is creative pieces.

8 years ago

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Kakashi2020

Kakashi2020

If I'm not that familiar with the article I'm writing I would spend an hour or two researching for relevant materials to create a good outline.

8 years ago

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rlpzbeermoney

rlpzbeermoney

I'm in the boat of just jumping into it and writing. The only thing I plan is the activities leading to writing like cleaning up the desk and preparing my work space. I think of as many ideas related to what I want to write about and just pick and remove parts that I don't like. If I don't do this, I would probably be stuck focusing on just a single part of the story rather than the bigger picture. There are so many ways a story could go and I want to explore all options. I tend to be the kind to be messy in my work and then go and refine those messy parts after I get the gist of the story right. The refining process is the one that takes up the most time.

8 years ago

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mdayrit

mdayrit

What I usually do before writing is to make an outline of things that I would like to discuss in the article. I determine which part in the outline would be the best to come first. This is mostly planning how the flow of article will go. Once done, I start filling each part up with information.

8 years ago

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fishbate

fishbate

Yeah, that's a good strategy. I also have the same method, i usually write down key words and topics about the content before i start writer. I also use a table of events where i use to have some flow on the content.

8 years ago

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Marako0406

Marako0406

When I do write, the preparations before I start would be to relax and listen some music. Not the normal pop or ballads but the classic ones with just sounds of music in it. Then focus on the topic and the content I would write about. Music makes me think clearly to write things with more sensibility and a good content.

8 years ago

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cmoneyspinner

cmoneyspinner

I have been writing for a long time. Not books or stories. Just articles and blog posts. These days I don't really plan my writing work. I sort of get in a mood. I may just start jotting stuff down. But the real challenge is choosing the best site to publish my content. You may produce a nice piece of work. But if you present to the wrong audience you might as well not have written anything.

8 years ago

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fishbate

fishbate

That's a good point, choosing a really good site with the right audience helps a lot on the success of the article. If your topic is about foods and the site is about jewelries i think your article will have a low chance of success.

8 years ago

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stbrians

stbrians

I just begin to write and the story and characters just pop up. The plots, climaxes and anti-climaxes spring up too.

When I do write that way is when the gig come in and I enjoy.

8 years ago

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Donyababoy

Donyababoy

As an endearing writer the start of writing a story is one of the hardest part for me. This is the cause why It takes me about 4-5 months of gathering data and doing research just to feel like I'm ready, or simply making my self that at least I am half ready. Doing this getting ready time set up for me gives me hope that I could actually finish the story I am plotting on my mind, because like what most new writers do, I procrastinate a lot and very much leave the story running to the end just on my own mind without putting half of the story on paper.

8 years ago

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Zelmontero

Zelmontero

If the idea is overflowing in your mind it is better to write it down immediately so that you will not forget it. There are really some idea or scene that will just pop up in your mind that is why it is better to have your notebook and pen in your side or better yet you can write it in your phone. Before I imagine scenario I already have imagined the character of my protagonist. The scenario that will pop on my mind is base on their character.

8 years ago

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ajahcuizon

ajahcuizon

I usually write down first all the details that I had in my mind so that I won't forget it. I also do some research especially of those places that I want to put into my work. I have my own special small notebook that I always bring so that whenever an idea pops out my mind, I could write it down. Then after a few weeks or so of gathering data, I will then start writing my story. It is better to have information and data first to avoid misunderstanding and misdirection of the details.

8 years ago

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superlicca

superlicca

When writing, I tend to skip the outline and start to plan the other stuff. When I have new ideas, I make sure to take a note of them immediately. I am not really organized like other writers. But I really want to have a planning process to organize my thoughts. I guess this will make me an efficient writer in the future.

8 years ago

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mdayrit

mdayrit

Haven't really tried writing a story, but I think to prepare yourself to write one is to have enough rest. The more relax you are, the more creative you become. The flow and twist of story will just come out naturally. You'll be able to think better.

8 years ago

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Chinet23

Chinet23

I don't write as a profession but I used to do freelance writing for a local school paper before. It normally depends on the time constraint. I had to do meet deadlines before that's why there's not much planning when I write fiction. I jumped in as well as soon as I got the idea and just do revisions after.

8 years ago

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Therese16

Therese16

What works for me is, I write the things in my mind before I forget them and then I would create a story based on the inspiring ideas that are on my mind. I plan the story for a very long time. Mostly there are a lot of alterations until I create a solid base for my content.

8 years ago

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jeffreyjose48

jeffreyjose48

I don't really plan that much. I just let my mind work. I just go with the flow. I think its just automatic.

8 years ago

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coolavender

coolavender

Planning doesn't just apply to fiction writers. In fact, article writers can benefit much from planning before starting to write. An outline, for instance, will help make writing a breeze for writers who need to produce tons of content on a daily basis. It can also lessen the possibility of being hit by mental block while working on your project. Planning injects a system into what could have otherwise been a purely creative pursuit. The level of planning will usually vary with the type of project. Most short writing projects will require less planning while the more complex ones will typically require more intensive planning.

8 years ago

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romyter013

romyter013

Once I have the idea on what to write and it started to play in my mind, that's the time i make sure my laptop is ready so i can write it down right away because I'm very forgetful person. I just make sure as long I finished what I need to do on my list for the day, then that's the time I can concentrate to continue my writing. I know I can finish it - just need to set my mood with my Jazz music and cup of coffee and I'm ready.

8 years ago

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jayjaydimson

jayjaydimson

Before I would write something, of course, I need to think about some contents first on my mind, and I will start to start writing.

8 years ago

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Aeolos

Aeolos

Before I start writing, I had to plan out the all things I want to write. I must first map it all out before I started writing. I like to write with proper direction and having a proper plan helps me not steer out of the way. It really takes me a lot of time figuring out the one I am going to write but its worth it. It keeps me from adding or removing things from my story.

8 years ago

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bachiekins

bachiekins

Different strokes for different folks.

I have seen (and envy) writers who sit and the words just flow from them. I, on the other hand, try to write points. Just the highlight of the story, maybe the characters, sometimes the highlight of the articles, words I think are parallel to the the ideas. Simple planning.

I guess i do that more often than I admit because of my fear to go off topic. I have the tendency to write back stories or side stories then end up losing my momentum on the actual topic. I also notice that when I'm telling a friend a story.

I wish I can be more spontaneous on writing but it may lead to a longer article or longer story and unnecessary information. I do try and keep in my and stop myself from going off topic. But so far the planning and point writing works for me.

8 years ago

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CyrusWahome

CyrusWahome

It actually depends on some factors as much as it depends on the individuals involved. As for me, I do plan for projects but I only do so if I have a vague idea of what I am going to do. On the other hand, if I am doing something that I love, I will go right into it and write something great. I believe it is important to leave room for the mind to come up with ideas as you write, instead of planning beforehand. This is, however, only recommended for people who believe in their power of imagination.

8 years ago

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Jeane

Jeane

For me, how much I plan before I start writing depends entirely on how well I know whatever topic I'll be writing about and its length. When writing about topics I'm really comfortable with, I may simply open the word processor and start writing.

However for anything that will involve doing some research and anything longer than 1,000 words I'll have to plan everything first before I start writing. That way, there'll be no fluff in my writing.

p.s Planning your writing is a good habit to acquire because it will help you stay more focused on what you'll be writing about. Clear, concise writing is the product you get in the end.

8 years ago

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jayjaydimson

jayjaydimson

I'll plan as long as im not yet ready, so wehn I start writing, I would know what am I going to write.

8 years ago

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Gilgamesh

Gilgamesh

I first made my mind in what is the concept I will visualize it into my mind. After doing that I will now make a draft so that my article will have a smooth progress. I will gather the necessary data that I will be needed in making an article.
In conclusion, we shall consider that things we need before starting something so that we can mitigate the problems in doing it.

8 years ago

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jpk0007

jpk0007

I am a newbie in the field of writing. I don't know wether planning beforehand when you start writing , even fiction writing does work . I guess it may work for some but I won't be able to do it. I mean if I plan something before and try to think according to the plan I can never write anything. I just go on writing randomly whatever I feel regarding a particular subject and once I write down all my thoughts I read and edit whatever I find irrelevant. Maybe planning and writing something will be possible after some years of writing experience.

8 years ago

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jaymish3

jaymish3

@jpk0007 how do you write without a plan? I can't just imagine that kind of a mess. I used to do that a long time ago and I can tell you that I accomplished exactly nothing. How do you know what you need to cover and when you have covered enough? I think if you write without a plan it is very difficult to finish your article. It also means that your article maybe disorganized and it may not contain all the information it needs.

8 years ago

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theresajane

theresajane

As a simple writer, I honestly don't plan much befire writing. I only look at two things, first, the topic, I have to know what I am written well enough that I can start my introduction. Second is the reason why I chose that specific topic. It is because, if I have the perfect reason why I choose to write something. It keeps me going and keeps the ideas coming. It just comes naturally while I am on the process ofof writing. However, I must admit that I am on the stage of developing myself. I am not a perfect writer. I just enjoy what I think I am able to do.

8 years ago

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sonnyisabeast

sonnyisabeast

I know exactly what you re saying, right now I kind of gave up with fiction. Making up a story is really difficult,, I tried it a long time ago, and I could not get past the characters and the setting. They're all mapped out, but I cannot seem to make them stick together. I guess fiction should at least stem from some modicum of truth from the writer's personal life or experience.

8 years ago

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emiaj55

emiaj55

Some of my works required weeks before I even mapped them down. Some just took days. I always work on the spur of the moment. I always write down my thoughts on the stories. But there are also some that plays on my mind day and night before I could fit them into play.

8 years ago

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Bravosi

Bravosi

I must say it's a difficult question, I'd say it depends on the scenario and subject.
Some planning might take few days, others weeks and maybe even MONTHS! I know it's hard to imagine, but it honestly depends on the subject, as I have written before! How much do you plan before you start writing?

How much do you plan before you start writing?

8 years ago

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YoloBoy

YoloBoy

Whatever comes to mind would be best to write it down already before you forget it. It might not make sense during that part but once you get that idea you can find a great place to put that in your story or writing forum. I have always had that scenario and sometimes it really is a bother but it is easy to do and quick as well. One thing that you can do while planning to write is you can write small words or details for you to remember so that you can have a structured sequence before you write. Having the ability to write in a proper and orderly mannered mind will become of great use.

8 years ago

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