Reviewing with River

Well one thing's for sure...
If I've an outline ready or in my mind, I complete the story/novel faster. Its like I know where I'm going. Its easier to get my thoughts on that paper or word document rather. But the point is, with an outline in sight, even if I let the story flow with my imagination, I have a place of refuge in case I get lost, which I often do.

Writing like a panster (I'd no idea what it meant untill now) has one disadvantage. I wouldn't know when and where I took that last wrong turn and how to go back unless it's a really great piece of writing that can shape itself or I'm suddenly struck with ideas and scenes and all.

Practically I write both ways.
Generally I tend to write when I code or debug or at times when the server takes took long to start (not because of issues in my code). And at times like that having an outline definitely helps if I want a proper story/novel as output.

If I'm writing just to amuse myself, I'd rather let the story lose and let it take me where it wants.