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Sometimes the characters develop almost without your…

“Sometimes the characters develop almost without your knowing it. You find them doing things you hadn't planned on, and then I have to go back to page 42 and fix things. I'm not recommending it as a way to write. It's very sloppy, but it works for me.” quote by Barbara Mertz
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“Sometimes the characters develop almost without your knowing it. You find them doing things you hadn't planned on, and then I have to go back to page 42 and fix things. I'm not recommending it as a way to write. It's very sloppy, but it works for me.”

Barbara Mertz

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Characters can evolve unexpectedly, forcing the author to retroactively adjust the narrative; chaotic but effective for some writers.

In simple terms: Characters sometimes develop on their own, requiring later fixes.

Key Takeaway

Embrace flexibility but plan to revise as needed.

Themes

creativity writing process character development adaptability revision

Mood

reflective practical creative

Type

writing creative process fiction

When to use this quote

  • novel drafting
  • screenwriting
  • game narrative design
  • editing sessions

Key Concepts

narrative theory authorial control storytelling techniques

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you balance spontaneity with plot coherence?
  • When is retroactive fixing acceptable?
A Different Perspective

Unplanned changes can cause inconsistencies if not managed.

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