Do you write Right or Wrong?!

In From First Draft to Finished Novel, Karen S. Wiesner says:

Essentially [the author] creates a blueprint in some form – pre-writing or an outline – and this is the true solid foundation for any story.  Only rarely will a job done right turn out wrong.”

There has been some discussion amongst authors between what works best and what doesn’t while writing.  Is planning or plotting best?  Does there have to ONE certain way to write?  The answer, of course, is no.

Everyone has their own way to write.  Sure, we all need hot tea or coffee (my preference) to get us going, but we’re all different.  That’s why when I read this quote in my book did I begin to wonder what everyone honestly thought about the “right” way to write.

Obviously, Wiesner believes plotting or pre-writing is the correct way.  Which is fine.  Although I’m generally a panster, I do pre-write.  But what I pre-write doesn’t always make it into my works.

So does that mean my “foundation” will lead me astray?  No, I don’t believe so.  But then again, I’m a pantser at heart.  I don’t live by constraints on my writing! 😉

Like I said though, I do some planning now with my writing.  I have to to keep myself from getting distracted.  My mind is going away, I swear!

I do agree with Weisner, though, when she says that you have to have a solid foundation, and whether you write out that solid foundation or not in an outline or what have you, you still need one.  You have to build up from any foundation.  And without a solid one, your work will crumble.

There are many different ways of writing.  But you need a solid plot line to build upon.  Do you agree or disagree with Weisner?  How do you write?  Are you planner, plotter, or someone in between like me?!