Vic, I couldn’t agree more! The process of writing is what generates the real insight. You research and write as you go. It’s like prototyping — fine tuning with multiple rounds of editing after the first draft is completed.

The only time I find outlines useful is when I need “buy in” from others before getting started. I’ll still write “outside the outline” and no one complains if the result is good.

I love mind maps too. They are less linear than taking notes. Writing is a messy business — lol

Thanks for sharing this! It’s reassuring to know I am not the only one who prefers to “wing it” when writing :)