I think what it comes down to is different people do different things different ways. I don't think there's any right way or wrong way to write a book. I honestly believe much of it is instinctive. You can write the most detailed plan, but you write it over a short period. When you write the book itself you will be thinking about it night and day over a very long period, and that should produce ideas. If it doesn't, you're in trouble. Also, I am very sceptical about "How to books." If those authors are so certain they know how to write books, why aren't they? Why are they writing for the relatively minor market of other authors instead of making millions writing for the mainstream? Like stockbrokers. If they're so good at it, why don't they just do it with their own money and make themselves a fortune instead of a percentage of someone else's? Seems to me one only enjoys a "How to write a book" book (i.e, gains reassurance) if that particular tutor says the right way to do it is actually the way you already do it!
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