Writing is an organic process. At least that is how I always viewed it. You can approach the story from a cerebral end but it seems to me when you start writing the story becomes organic.
I kind of think this is a good thing. I see a story as a shifting plain with topological features that come and go, warp and fold. As it takes shape in my mind I move through the story and sometimes the story changes and I change with it. That give and take process helps gel the story in my mind and I think creatively the story is all the better for it.
It’s funny. Sometimes I will have a story fully developed in my mind but when I sit down to write it starts changing. That’s why I don’t like using detailed outlines. They don’t work for me. When I make an outline they are nothing but broad strokes, the barest framework imaginable. Mostly I jot down phrases or snatches of conversation. I am often more interested in following what I see as the tone and flavor of a story than a roadmap.
I want to work in concert with the story. Not against it. I always try to keep this in mind when I write. It doesn’t always work, but it’s nice when it does bear fruit.
Hoover's Corner 
I blogged about this back in the summer. I think it was anyway. It’s been a while back. lol
http://mariadkins.com/worldbuilding-2
also: totally this: Mostly I jot down phrases or snatches of conversation. I am often more interested in following what I see as the tone and flavor of a story than a roadmap.
oh, cool, thanks for the link! 🙂
It’s a fundamental philosophy of mine. I want the story to be less impacted by my intervention than I am by it. I guess it’s like a “hands off” approach to an extent, if that makes any sense.
no, you’re making perfect sense. i totally get it.
i hope i sent you to the right post LOLOL i’m a total scatterbrain.
I like the new site. See you around now that you’re not on LJ anymore. It looks like I’ll have lots to read….
Thanks! I’m glad you like it. I am very flattered you want to keep up with me over here on WP, but I think LJ has just become too clunky. I bookmareked your WP site, too. 🙂