Some writers value detail in their writing process. Other writers value a blank slate throughout their expressive moments. While other writers mix both methods to attain the best possible results. All three approaches incorporate freedom to work as best suits the writer’s personality and life experiences. 

A writer masters their best means of creating by first discovering how their mind operates. Personality testing helps us understand how our brain functions, the degree of introversion and/or extroversion, career preferences, and other habits and quirks. If this feels like something you wish to explore, I recommend the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator. Note there are other personality-testing tools available to continue this research.

These are the basic advantages of a writer who approaches their work according to personal tastes.

A writer who chooses to develop a manuscript from structure / outline has advantages:

• The freedom to create takes place before typing chapter one, line one. The writer follows their outline.
• Most of the work is done before beginning the project.
• Edits and revisions are at a minimum.

A writer who chooses not to invoke structure or stick to an outline finds satisfaction in spontaneous creativity.

• The freedom of non-constraint excites the writer.
• Words, phrases, content, and manuscript development are welcome.
• Creativity is more defined in the editing phase.

A writer who incorporates structure and spontaneity combines a flexible outline with the ability to change aspects of literary techniques.

• The original ideas can be tweaked to suit the creative mind.
• Developing the manuscript indicates where the project may be headed or focused.
• Changes are not a crisis or catastrophic for the writer who maintains an adaptable attitude.

The method selected to create a manuscript—whether structured, spontaneous, or hybrid—has no bearing on the ultimate quality of a fiction or nonfiction piece. What seals an exceptional manuscript is the clarity, content, accuracy, originality, reader engagement, and professionalism in format, research, grammar, and punctuation.

Curious about your style?

Take a moment to reflect on how your brain learns, analyzes, and processes information best. Don’t worry about sticking to a specific number—just jot down whatever comes to mind. You might find patterns or preferences that surprise you

1. Does my writing preference depend on structure? How?
2. Does my writing preference embrace an uninhibited imagination? How?
3. Does my best method of writing blend structure and a blank slate? How?
4. Is there a need to change or refine my current system of writing? How will you proceed?

Discovering how our minds organize and produce written communication is a writer’s freedom—the freedom to present our best work.

How do you initiate a writing project?