When I write anything longer than a ficlet, I have a concept in mind and a few key scenes. Then I fill in the blanks...usually. But there are always exceptions. I know I don't write deathless prose or brilliant, innovative fic -- I leave that to you and Ces. Basically I figure I'm a decent journeyman, can write a snappy line of dialogue or the occasional newish idea, and I plot relatively well. ::shrug:: Once in a great while I think I hit the nail on the head, and it's almost always the story I thought about the least before I started writing.