I think it depends on the project. Some I've ended up outlining a lot, others just write themelves. (I call them white fire projects, and I love those--it's sheer story channeling.) But some of those very systematic methods just depress me because I can be mechanical about it all. I don't have a math mind, and though maybe I could be a better writer if i could consciously include plan thematic loop scenes and classic sequels and so forth, so on, I just can plan that way. I'd never get anything done, because the magic would be gone, leaving me with bits of paper scattered all over the desk. (As for themes, I hated identifying them as a kid, and if I thought I was writing to a theme I'd toss the mess into the trash.)