Set plot or meandering?

Do you find it better to start writing a story with a set plot? Is it easier to just meander until you find a good place to end?

I've never actually tried writing a novel with a set plot. I always begin with something of a good idea, get bored or stuck, stop writing, repeat. I'm just wondering if it might be easier to try the path of setting up an entire plot before writing.

Thank you!

Sounds like meandering isn't working well for you. I'd suggest you try an outline, see if that helps. I prefer to use pretty detailed outlines - I'm four novels to the good, so it's working out okay for me.

*Moved to Writing Tips*

I usually start with a meandering plot, but I don't write until I have an ending in mind. The meandering happens when I outline by writing what scenes I have on index cards. Once that's done, then I write with certain "goal scenes" in mind to get me through the boring parts.

Wow, thanks! I'll try both of your suggestions (and probably any others); they make sense because I can totally write a really good short memoir piece.

Quickly poke around Writing Tips, Writers Corner, or Writing Tutorials to find ideas for outlining.

Usually I start with a premise. About a quarter through the book, I can see where it's going to end up, but not exactly how it's going to get there. It might help to have an end worked out, even if you can't figure out all the messy bits in the middle, because this might help with direction.

I don't think it's super bad to have an exact end in site when you're writing. Obviously you need to have some idea as to what the future will hold so you have some direction in your story, but I don't think you need to know every piece of the end right away.
From my own experience, I've found that the end will kind of just reveal itself as you write. It might not be clear until you are on the very last chapter, but when it feels right to end it, then it will end.

-Carly