Outline vs Free Writing

Okay, so here's one of those "writerly" details that always trips me up when I think about starting a new novel or screenplay.

Should I or should I not write an outline?

If you haven't picked up on it, I'm the queen of haggling over decision making. But the outline, the whole process of laying out a detailed sketch of my novel from start to finish is just one that I can't help but feel a bit of trepidation at moments. Of course no one would dispute the benefits of having a "tweaking" or exorcising the demons process for my ideas and plot points.  But there's always that wild rebel artist voice in my head crying out for freedom and reckless literary expression, begging me to let-flow-and-let-go and then just see what happens.

Yeah, I sometimes worry about that voice too.

Now from experience I have in fact tried both ways, and honestly found things I liked and disliked about both methods of writing styles.  And so this is why I need your help.  Because as I sit here debating which brilliant story idea I want to take on as my next novel or screenplay project, while desperately resisting the urge to face plant into my desk, I wanted to pose a couple of questions to all my writer and screenwriter peers out there.

Do you prefer the outline method or are you the free writing let-go-and-let-flow writer? And based on your experience what have you found to be the perks of your method of writing?

I really really would love to hear all your feedback and personal takes on this particular matter, whether you're a writer or screenwriter, any and all comments are welcome.

Happy Writing & Happy Reading!