I can't think of a circumstance in which I would choose to write to a length other than the length the story wants to be, that notion is very weird to me.  [ I can see how work-for-hire might need this, but nobody's going to be hiring me for that any time soon. ]

Well free writing is generally how i brainstorm, but i've found through writing of essays (yeah i know, not the same thing as a novel or even short story) that the true writing comes in the editing. It's gotta be how a sculptor feels when they get the statue roughed out and watch as their creation comes alive.

I've also come to understand in my journey, that i am easily overwhelmed, and the sheer amount of info needed to write a novel/series or even short story is somewhat overwhelming. My hope in the outline was not that it would "tie me down" to any specific length, but just give me a guideline. We all know that things change. That we'll get a "dramatic" idea that is amazing...but completely changes the outlook of the story/idea.

Anyway, i ramble. i'm off to bed (have i mentioned that i LOVE spell check LOL)

JB himself actually has a really good article on his blog right now about this. Go here: http://jimbutcher.livejournal.com/ Further down, he's also got more individual articles on the various parts of writing a story. I highly recommend you read it. Best advice I've seen in a long time.

I forget livejournal exists sometimes! thank you so much!