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Every writer has their own way of working. I tend to write it down simply then when I'm ready I go back and add detail and then edit it... pretty much the same as you. I would say it was a waste of time and I would try and change your writing style. As long as you get it down I think that is the best thing.

If you think writing is a waste of time I think something is wrong there. It takes at least six months to 10 years to write a book, good or bad. So I think your writing style is fine you just need to have more patience with your work. Good luck. Looking forward to seeing your work. Chao

Agreed with the above, writing styles are individualized. There's more than one way to skin a cat, and all that cliched jazz. Whatever way works best for you as long as you keep at it.

I have a friend who fills notebooks with little details and character bios and scene outlines and snippets, then sits down and has help fleshing all of that out into a cohesive story, writing whatever part strikes her since she has all of it in front of her.

I'm more straightforward, I tend to start at the beginning and just write straight through till the end. I'd confuse myself if I skipped around and I'm afraid I wouldn't catch any inconsistencies when I went back to edit. Plus, it's just easier for me because I outline my story first so I know where it's going, and then just go... smile

Actually, I think you've got a got system, infinite_hatrid. That's how I've started writing papers, and it's a real help. It may seem like a waste of time, but try having to go back and rewrite half a story because you've had an idea that you simply have to include, but doesn't fit! I've done it more than once, and it certainly takes more time than to plan it out first! But to each their own! I write in chunks, usually very large, unrelated ones that I'll later pull together.

Well, knowing what is going to happen in your story would definately help keep you on track and have a more organized story. It helps you remember details and, if it's a mystery, that's definately the way to go. I don't write like that, I feel too cramped. That doesn't mean it isn't the absolute perfect style for someone else though. If that's the way that brings about your best work, keep it, it's perfect for you.

I guess everything that can be said has been said already. wink So no! It's not a bad way to write. I usually only write one draft of something. When I try to go back and edit, I'm no longer in the same place mentally as I was when I started. So, if I don't like the way something turns out? It's gone.

Every person writes differently, even if they think they use the same method. The best method for writing is which ever one you feel is your strongest. Some people have to draft everything from start to end and other people, like myself, are completely spontaneous and decided as they go along. I like my way because it gives me the same thrill as reading a book. I get excited when they go some place because even I don't know exactly what will happen.
Every method has it's downfalls too, so you have to remember that. I think my method has the most obvious downfall. It is a downfall. But it sure is fun and often times I come out with something I like.

I like to skip from idea to idea, discovering the story as I write. However, I've found that this is a terrible way for me to write because unless I set myself a goal or plan, I just indulge myself too much and end up writing four pages describing one little aspect that interests me, and end up meandering from shiny thing to shiny thing with no real plot. If I'm strict with myself in terms of a timed deadline or a fairly tight plan, I discipline that side of myself that just wants to waffle.