Two styles of writing.

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The most broad classification of a writer is Orderly and Disorderly. There is no right one and often a writer will experiment with both styles. 1. Orderly This is usually the pre writing we learn in school. First write a 3 sentence concept for the story followed by a few paragraphs expanding the concept then drafting a complete formal outline of the story. 2. Disorderly Just write the story. Like I said there is no true way to write and most likely you will fall between the two. My published novel was mostly disorderly. I did create family lines and pre-planned the 'rules' for the two magics in the book. But after that I just wrote what the story wanted going back and changing what wouldn't work toward the final outcome. I have also wrote fully dedicated to outlining and planning every chapter before a word was written. I picked this style for a story being told by a person who was abandoned on earth for 1000 years and all the history he was involved in. Free writing such a tale that relied on keeping historic accuracy would have been a nightmare. You will most likely fall into what your personality dictates. If your clothes are hung in color order or you have 20 years of business records sorted and tabulated you will find orderly writing better suited. If today's shirt was decided by a random pull from the clean laundry basket then just start writing. For the rest of us try different levels of orderly and disorderly for what best suits you or what the story demands.