Character-driven versus plot-driven? I’m character-driven all the way.
I get a basic idea of what I want to write about and take about a page of notes around that idea. Then I make the protagonist, the antagonist, and usually one friend for the protagonist. From that moment forward, I focus on what's driving the protagonist and write from there. I don't outline or diagram. I just set the defining conflict in motion and let the protagonist loose. I'll track the story as it goes as far as figuring out where I am on The Hero's Journey or on the W Plot. But I don't make the story fit a plot shape, and I never make the character do something just because I want to see it happen.
The story needs to naturally evolve out of what the character wants, needs, and does. Bending the character to your own will do nothing but grind the story to a halt or--in a best case scenario--make the readers complain that your character is suddenly acting OOC (out of character).
I'm a big believer in "listening" to your characters.
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