"I never do a full outline, and if I did, I would not feel bound to it, because the view from inside a scene can be different from the view outside it. But neither do I just start writing and see what happens; I am far more disciplined than that"

Piers Anthony, a distinguished author known primarily for his dream and sci-fi works, offers insight into his writing procedure in the quote provided. His technique is a balance between structure and spontaneity.

Anthony starts by specifying that he never creates a "full summary" for his stories, recommending an aversion to excessively stiff planning. He implies that excessive detailing may constrain the imaginative procedure, potentially stifling the dynamism and natural evolution of the narrative. This indicates his preference for flexibility, enabling the story to establish naturally as he writes. The notion that "the view from inside a scene can be various from the view outside it" recommends that Anthony values the immersive experience of writing. As soon as taken part in the scene, new insights and directions may emerge, prompting changes that a strict summary may not accommodate.

However, Anthony clearly separates himself from writers who completely pass up planning and "simply begin composing and see what takes place". He explains himself as "far more disciplined" than such a simply improvisational technique would permit. This discipline could manifest in numerous ways, such as having a clear understanding of the story's overarching themes, character motivations, or plot points without having every detail sketched out in advance.

Ultimately, Anthony's method highlights a middle path that numerous writers can find beneficial. He integrates the freedom to explore and adapt with the discipline to maintain focus and instructions. This technique permits him to keep the narrative both coherent and fresh, as he stays open up to originalities while ensuring that the story retains a cohesive structure. By doing so, Anthony takes full advantage of the fluidity and imagination of his storytelling without ending up being lost or bogged down in a morass of uncontrolled possibilities.