Planning a story usually begins with an inspiring idea. I don’t write it right away. I develop it by writing down ideas and different scenarios (i.e. possible locations, characters, outcomes, etc.). Once the plot elements start to click together, that’s when I begin writing.
But throughout the writing process, I continue to plan and develop the story–work out all the finer details and plot elements. I sometimes catch the story going in the wrong direction or something that’s missing from it.
And when I get stuck, I look at what needs to change in the outline. Maybe there are elements that don’t click together. I focus on revising those parts, and when the problems are solved, then I continue writing.
But I catch more errors. It feels like planning a story never really ends until the draft is finished.
And when you get to the editing stage, you might discover plot holes and inconsistencies you didn’t see before. You rework those parts, planning yet again . . .
Fallton Havenstonne 