Great article. I also am a planner. Typically I come up with the ending first and work backwards from that point (I won't write a novel unless I first think of a dynamite ending that I'm really excited about). After that come character profiles, chapter outlines, and other research.

That said, despite my planning, I do keep certain things deliberately loose, because even though I know where my plot will end up, I do allow unexpected detours when good ideas crop up along the way.

Personally, I can't understand how anyone can write a novel without any planning at all. Each to their own, obviously, but the kinds of novels I write (mainly gothic mystery thriller/horror, and sometimes children's adventures) require detailed planning both in terms of psychological arcs and external narrative.