How I View My Fiction Writing

When I was in high school and later at college, teachers and professors seemed to always say:  "Start with a conflict and then use other elements to build around that."  I have since tossed that idea in the garbage heap.  It doesn't work for me, so there.

In all of my fiction writing - be it long or short - I first create and develop a character.  When I'm done I look for a useful setting and plop my character inside of it.  Finally, I come up with conflict(s) that may or may not come from the heart, mind or soul of the character.  It works for me!  I have always viewed my fiction writing as characterological studies.