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When I'm writing, I won't know whodunnit until maybe two…

“When I'm writing, I won't know whodunnit until maybe two thirds of the way through. Until then, I know as little as my detective. I just make it up as I go along. It's nerve-wracking, actually. You'll be half through and not know your conclusion. You worry one of these days the ending won't come…” quote by Ian Rankin
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“When I'm writing, I won't know whodunnit until maybe two thirds of the way through. Until then, I know as little as my detective. I just make it up as I go along. It's nerve-wracking, actually. You'll be half through and not know your conclusion. You worry one of these days the ending won't come. I'll be left with only two-thirds of a novel.”

Ian Rankin

About This Quote

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

The author admits to discovering plot details late, creating tension and uncertainty about the ending.

In simple terms: Plot is uncovered gradually, causing anxiety.

Key Takeaway

Embrace uncertainty, let story evolve naturally.

Themes

creative process uncertainty plot development writing novel author

Mood

reflective anxious curious

Type

process creative

When to use this quote

  • novel drafting
  • creative workshops
  • authorial planning

Key Concepts

improvisation narrative tension storytelling

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does uncertainty affect narrative quality?
  • Can improvisation improve or hinder plot coherence?
A Different Perspective

Risk of incomplete story if resolution never materializes.

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