There seems to be two ways to write a novel: either you outline your story chapter by chapter, and once you’re satisfied enough, you put everything together. Saves a lot of time and it allows you think things over before you actually write the story.
Or, you could sit before your pad or computer and just write whatever comes to mind – better known as pantsing. You have a basic idea on what you want your novel to be, but you also know full well that anything could happen while putting your characters in a complex plot with emotional situations. It allows plenty of room for creativity and makes the writing process loads of fun, while outlining seems so rigid.
The problem is, you hit a lot of walls, get writer’s block often, and you may get lost. Completing your novel could also take much longer and your readers will soon become frustrated that your latest book isn’t out yet.
Either route has its ups and downs, their pros and cons. They are both frustrating and fun. But you have to figure out what works best for you as write your novel.
When I wrote my first book, The Dark Proposal, I was a total pantser. I had an idea in my head but I chose to basically wing it. There were some days where I barely did a paragraph, and some days I did half a chapter. It was unpredictable, but I enjoyed the ride. I learned so much about what it takes to write a novel, so I was practically doing on-the-job training.
That is not the case right now. Sure, I am still advancing my craft, but I am not really a beginner yet. I certainly wouldn’t say I am a veteran – oh hell no! But I have a follow-up to my book to write, and I can’t take forever to complete it. On top of that, I am working full time which eats up my chances of writing freely. I have solved that problem by setting a schedule for myself where I set aside three days a week to work on my WIP.
However, I am still mostly pantsing. I did make a list beforehand of what I wanted to happen in not just my second book, but my third so my trilogy would be set. I am still taking notes during my lunch break and I’m always analyzing about how to make my book intriguing. But once I go to Starbucks or Panera Bread, I write what comes to mind. I may write based what on my notes, but they aren’t about what happens scene by scene, so I really am winging it.
Maybe taking notes is a form of outlining, but its really not. I honestly feel rather disappointed in myself that I am not a bona fide outliner. I wish I was because it seems so much more disciplined. I don’t think of myself as undisciplined, but I do notice that I really enjoy jumping into new projects and finding what happens as I go. That may be a character flaw in me, but that just might be me.
Perhaps I just need to accept this part of myself. If I am a pantser, then so be it. But if I can evolve into an outliner, bring it on!
In other words, when you write, do what feels natural for you. Don’t force yourself to outline or take it as it comes. Do what is right for you. As long as you create a magnificent story and you are evolving as a writer, then why wish you were something else?
Megan Cashman 
My first manuscript was outlined, and it ended up stiff and inert because I had boxed myself in. Something I wantd to reveal in 8 pages of flashback ended up taking 25, so my story lost all momentum.
Then I read Carolyn Wheat’s pretty good book on Suspense Writing (How to Write Killer Fiction), in which she discussed the advantages of “blank paging.” So I tackled my second manuscript without an outline, and it turned out twenty times better. On her advice, I intentionally added elements that meant nothing to me when I wrote them, but later enabled me to create a criss-cross of events that dovetailed nicely. I’m sold on pantsing, as you call it (now I just have to sell an agent on my next manuscript).
Everybody has her own approach to plotting, and I suppose traditional mystery writers need an outline and then some.
My first novel was half and half, I would say, whereas my second was not outlined at all. It was great fun to write, and I learned so much during the research. But I got towards the end and the only way I could see to finish it was to go very dark, and as a result I’m still grieving over what my main character has endured.
You don’t have to write this long, elaborate outline for every novel you write, but I do I think that it’s important to have a basic outline jotted down on paper. It streamlines your creative thought without pidgeon-holing characters and plot development. Just my opinion.
I write notes on what I want from my novel before I begin, and even during my process. So I’m not totally pantsing but I’m not completely outlining either.