Skip to content

Plotting is difficult for me, and always has been. I do…

“Plotting is difficult for me, and always has been. I do that before I actually start writing, but I always do characters, and the arc of the story, first... You can't do anything without a story arc. Where is it going to begin, where will it end.” quote by Elizabeth George
Download Open image
“Plotting is difficult for me, and always has been. I do that before I actually start writing, but I always do characters, and the arc of the story, first... You can't do anything without a story arc. Where is it going to begin, where will it end.”

Elizabeth George

About This Quote

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

Effective storytelling requires a clear narrative arc before writing begins; plot structure guides the story.

In simple terms: Plan the story's beginning, middle, and end first.

Key Takeaway

Outline your plot before drafting.

Themes

writing structure creativity

Mood

analytical instructive

Type

advice process

When to use this quote

  • novel writing
  • screenwriting
  • creative workshops

Key Concepts

narrative arc plot development

Questions to Reflect On

  • How detailed should a plot outline be?
  • When can you deviate from the planned arc?
A Different Perspective

Over‑planning may stifle spontaneity in character development.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Elizabeth George

Explore all 245 Elizabeth George quotes

More Actually quotes

Browse all 4,248 Actually quotes