Seems there’s no hard and fast rule. Some projects just require a tight outline, or they fall apart. Others need a more organic process to come to life. This book is definitely organic, with all the problems that ensue, ie waffle, the need for continuity checking. But the bonus, I have come up with some really fun concepts along the way, ones that I didn’t even conceive of when I started.

Ah, don’t be too jealous, the end date is looming, nay, bearing down like the headlight of a train…alas, will all be over ere long

I’m usually a pantser as well, I guess, although not always. Sometimes that tight outline solves a lot of problems, but even if I do have a good outine I usually have to write my way in a bit. Sometimes ‘a bit’ means the entire text.

I am better at staying on target these days, I guess because of all the scripty stuff I’ve been doing. My preferred MO is to just blast right through an entire draft, but that leaves me with endless hours of drudging editing and polishing. Perhaps I’ll try out your ‘two-at-once’ strategy…

Enjoy the rest of your sabbatical! I know I just had one, but I’m terribly jealous anyway…