This is semi-sorta similar to the "plot or gain" thread, but it's about the writing process itself, not so much the story
When you're laying out a plan for a story, do you start with a set, fully-laid-out idea of what will happen, or do you develop the characters and figure it out from there?
Obviously you have to have some kind of rough plotline set out, but I find it's easier to set up and plan out a complete, multi-installment story if I start with the characters and let them tell me the details of the story. I actually am taking an entire document and making notes on each of the characters to help me remember the details that AREN'T based on someone in particular that I know.
I haven't posted the endings of either of the two stories I've finished, but I've gotten them mostly written and fully planned, so it shouldn't be long before they're out there. There's another round of edits I'm planning to run them through.
But I want to hear about you. Is character development as important to your writing process as it is to me? Or do you let the plot determine the personalities?
When you're laying out a plan for a story, do you start with a set, fully-laid-out idea of what will happen, or do you develop the characters and figure it out from there?
Obviously you have to have some kind of rough plotline set out, but I find it's easier to set up and plan out a complete, multi-installment story if I start with the characters and let them tell me the details of the story. I actually am taking an entire document and making notes on each of the characters to help me remember the details that AREN'T based on someone in particular that I know.
I haven't posted the endings of either of the two stories I've finished, but I've gotten them mostly written and fully planned, so it shouldn't be long before they're out there. There's another round of edits I'm planning to run them through.
But I want to hear about you. Is character development as important to your writing process as it is to me? Or do you let the plot determine the personalities?
