I've written an broad outline for the second half of my vampire book. This is something I don't normally do, but I felt was necessary this time to make sure that my themes are carried out. I'll see how it works, and how closely I stick to the outline once I'm actually writing.
I prefer discovering as I'm writing, which is more fun. But it's a hold up when I can't figure out where the plot goes next. Usually, I have to spend some time before writing working out where the next chapter works in the overall scheme and then what that chapter is going to be like.
Having a more complete outline means much of this is already done, more like filling in the blanks. A certain number of words per day, and I'm done.
Still plenty of inspiration and discovery in the actual writing. And it keeps me from writing myself into problems.
I've figured out one major change I have to make, but I think it's doable without reorganizing, which is a relief. Meanwhile, by outlining, I'm hoping to avoid future problems.
For instance, I had the hero hiding in a cave, but once I wrote it out, I realized it made more sense plotwise to have him hiding in an abandoned house or something. The cave was meant -- thematically -- to be the bottom and his resurrection or birth. But I've already had him reaching bottom, hiding under a tarp and eating bugs, and the basement of a house can serve the same metaphoric meaning.
So I saved myself some logistical problems by working out the plot in advance.
I do tend to have the rest of a book vaguely outlined in my mind by this time in a book -- usually about a third to halfway in it will suddenly take shape.
I'm just being more detailed this time.