Be ready to change it all

You can plan your story out in minute detail. You can know exactly where you're going. You can have it all figured out.

But remain ready to change some key parts of your stories at the drop of the hat.

Maybe you'll realize that you didn’t drop a clue early enough in your writing. Maybe you need a character to be evil so your protagonist can feel alone later in the novel. Maybe you picked the wrong season for your setting as you later need an ice-skating scene.

You can be the best planner, but spontaneity will eventually get the better of you and impact your story. Be ready to go back and take care of loose ends.

Don't get attached just yet and remain ready to make a change for the better whenever necessary.