Good on you. I do know what it is like when the characters take over, but mostly I need to plan. Otherwise, the story just gets lost and I end up in a funk not knowing where it is going, and end up with my brain frozen. People who write by the seat of their pants are an alien species to me. I do not claim to be right; I only share what I know.
Pleased to make your acquaintance.
Nick
RE: Writing a Novel