Tentpole Method

This plan suits writers who prefer to be flexible when they work on a novel or short story. The idea of a 'tentpole' method is that you detail a few key plot points which are like the poles holding a tent up. The sections in between are not detailed, but it gives focus when you write from one 'tentpole' to the next. You have key scenes defined, but plenty of creative freedom as you fill in the gaps between these scenes.