Writers tend to fit on a scale with planners at one end and pantsters (those who work by the seat of their pants) at the other. In reality for most people it is not one or the other. Most do some planning – the kind of travel writing that comes from a trip or visit of some sort needs some. But even those who do a great deal of planning can benefit from a degree of spontaneity.
I was reminded of this the other day while reading a biography. Simon Reeve is best known for his television travel documentaries, though he has also written a great deal, most recently the autobiographical Step by Step (now a Hodder paperback). Liking his very conversational style, I was pleased to read that no script is involved. The trips are planned overall, of course (he stresses the importance of that), but much of what happens is spontaneous and he is adamant that his commentaries are off the cuff. Secondly, he makes a point of the value of being spontaneous, writing: Spontaneity is encouraged. Much of the time when we are filming we have to make it up as we go along, which can be exciting but also nerve-wracking… Hopefully the programmes feel more real as a result.