My method works for me, but there’s another good one that combines outlining and “pantsing.” It’s well described here — I was reminded of it when I read a post by Ravenne, in the Editor Unleashed forums. The entire thread is worth reading.

The three rivers method is great!

I tend to pants as I write, but I write each scene on a titled note card (either in Writer’s Cafe or Super Notecard). Thus, as I move forward, an outline is automatically created “behind” me. I also jot down bits of dialogue and flashes of scenes from ahead in the story, but usually I’m pantsing along, word by word.

Nicely said! And I agree with your conclusion — a writer has to find what works best. Try out different approach, see what works, keep the good techniques and toss out the bad. And keep learning and challenging yourself.

What I like about your Three Rivers Approach is that you count writing about the story as writing time well spent. I think my own work suffers from not thinking about it enough – I’m in too big a hurry to get the words down and start revising once I’m done.