I have always wondered if authors know when they start a novel what the whole plot will be, from start to end.

Answer 1

Almost all writers plot, whether it's consciously or subconsciously. Stephen King answered this question in his book, On Writing. He said he never plotted except for once, but then explained that in his mind he already knew the story but never explicitly wrote it down so in essence, yes, even he plotted.

Most writers have even a vague idea about the ending and work up to it but they don't let it dictate the story. If it goes off in a new direction, some follow it, some stay within the box they create for themselves. Both are creative methods depending on the author.

So should you plot? Yes. Consider a painter who starts painting but doesn't know what to paint. It doesn't happen of course. Painters are trained in composition, color, and mancy facets of their art. Like painters, writers don't create books by accident and the material doesn't appear out of thin air. Those who learn the tools of their craft and use them maximize their talent. Plotting is where you choose events and their design in time. The writer is inspired repeatedly as he or she writes and must make the inspiration fit within the story -- this feels unnatural but when it's done successfully it will look natural and effortless to the reader.

Answer 2

I start with a character and explore who he/she is. They end up "telling" the story as I write. Every once in a while, I'll stop to plot and figure things out, but they often change as I go back to the manuscript.

To me the discovery process is fun.

Answer 3

It depends on the author...When I write I put all my ideas on a piece of paper (all of the main events i want in the story) and go from there.

Answer 4

no, they have a general idea of the plot and sometimes just an ending but a lot of it is having a story in your mind or part of one and just writing....

Answer 5

Sure they do, no author worth his weight in salt writes as he goes, without any sort of organization in regards to what happens in the story, or how the characters will act in the story.

Answer 6

From the published accounts and other writers that I know, it varies from author to author.

Answer 7

I have over 10,000 books & articles, short stories. ever person does what comes natural in how they behave in thier write-ing. but there one thing that seems to be a common occurence though. & that is they lock themselves away from prying influences.

Answer 8

sometimes yes and sometimes no