Your characters change the plot

If you are anything like me, it doesn't matter how planned your plot is your characters have their own views on where the story is going.

Do you stick rigidly to your plans or go with the flow?

Most advice seems to be -

Go with the flow on a first draft, and then look at what has happened and make decisions on re-write 

-Backtrack to the plot but save this new idea to use somewhere else.

-Change the plot line to include this new idea, create reasons and credibility.

-If you are surprised at the twist, your readers will be too.

-You may write the same chapter in two or three ways to find which feels right, just don't press delete during this process.

-Maybe the character has progressed and your original plot line is not longer appropriate.

-Often your characters are stronger for the changes they demand, and the story is more interesting.

Be reassured it is not really imaginary fiends taking to you, and you are not crazy. I believe it is your subconscious understanding of personalities and your imaginative 'what if?' coming together to create an awesome story.