Reverse or not to reverse
This discussion reminds me of some writers' meetings I have attended. On one side are those who always plot, then make a detailed outline before starting to write. They affirm, with red faces and lots of shouting, that there's no other way to get a story right.
On the other side are those who start with an idea, or just one character with a problem. Usually they have some idea of what's going to happen in the middle and how it will end. In between the characters take over and dictate the story, scene by scene. These writers say it's the only way to write a novel that's fresh, spontaneous and not stilted. Some of them even shout about it.
Those not shouting watch the others carefully; make notes of the discussion and the by-play, how various individuals react. The time will come when they use it in a story.
To reverse or not to reverse? To outline or not to outline?
I wonder if other professions, like engineers, doctors, artists, have similar strongly felt, if opposite, feelings?
Goddess Bless,
Red Emma