When writing a fictional story, do you plan it all out in advance or just start writing and make it up as you go?

Both. I think my method is 20% planning and 80% pantsing.

I can’t plan everything in advance. I tried that once. The result was a most excellent plan for a novel or six that never got written because I was too busy planning.

So, I start out with some basic world-building.

I start out knowing where the protagonist comes from and what his mandate is (to change sides).

I ground the narrative by giving myself place-names. For Book I of the trilogy I’m working on, that list included Turtle Station, the Stupid Forest, Helmet Canyon, the Bastard Hills, Pan Forest, the Green River, and Lantern Marsh.

Then: start writing. Put characters on the ground. Send them places. Have them do things. Have them make decisions. Their decisions are what make the story happen.

I build them as I go. I literally do not understand any of my characters until I put them in the field. That includes the protagonist and everyone else who has taken part in his journey.

This method has its drawbacks. The biggest is that it requires much re-writing.

The main advantage is that I am not bound to write my story according to a template. I don’t use beat sheets. While beat sheets have much to recommend them, by using them religiously you end up repeating the same storytelling format known as the hero’s journey.

Instead of repeating the hero’s journey step-by-step, I have a structure that has evolved over time and re-writings. My version of the hero’s journey follows for those who are interested. Sections [in accolades] are in planning.

That was my answer.

Hero’s Different Journey:

Book I:

First half: protagonist is on the wrong side and doesn’t know it yet. (White River to Helmet Canyon)

Second half: protagonist changes sides. (Pan Forest, Green River, Lantern Marsh)

Book II:

First act: nail down the change so the protagonist will never go back ; tries to refuse the call to further adventure but can’t stop adventuring. (Pongo City)

Second act: War; protagonist fights on his chosen side. (Pongo City)

Third act: protagonist and related characters go on three separate but related journeys. (the Riddersrÿk)

Book III:

First act: [the Riddersrÿk part II]

Second act: [the War Zone]

Third act: [understanding why the adventure happened in the first place]

Fourth act: [Sequel]

I will begin writing the third version of Book III tomorrow.