Free flow or solid structure

[mullman2002]

When you are writing do you typically just write and write, without much thought for grammar, and structure, then go back later to tighten it up. Or, do you prefer to write really proper and tight from the get go.

The reason I ask is because I tend to write real loosely and get a lot more on paper, but I tend to get off topic A's the general flow suffers.

I feel that if I add more structure and tighten up from the start, I might stay on track better, but could also get caught up on details and delay progress. Any ideas?

[icemech04]

I'm finishing my first novel (the second re-write to be specific) and in the future I plan to tighten my writing from the beginning.

Reason: while I find it can be useful to let ideas flow downstream and over the waterfall I'd much rather draw their paths in advance; it makes the cleaning up is less strenuous in the end.

This isn't to be mistaken for plotting, which as of right now I'm shying away from. This is merely me taking a "dry run" of where the story is taking me -- exploring the land and picturing the scenery before I return later, with all the materials to build the house.

[caryjr73]

I like to keep things tight in the beginning, then start to let events flow more freely as I go. This gives me a great, concise start and allows the story to develop on its own. I tried to be tight all the way through, but found that I would get too caught up in the details and saw more plot begin to stray or fall apart.

As far as your experiences, it sounds like your style is more conducive to keeping it tight. Try sticking with that to see how it goes.

I love your question...it tells me that you are taking your writing and development as a writer seriously.

[SharisseEM]

I prefer to organise events first but when I write those out, it tends to be free flow. I don't want to be caught up with trying to make everything perfect in the beginning because drafts have to be revised and revised and I can use those revisions to tighten up my novel.