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. I'll be left with only two-thirds of a novel.”
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.
Embrace uncertainty, let story evolve naturally.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- novel drafting
- creative workshops
- authorial planning
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How does uncertainty affect narrative quality?
- Can improvisation improve or hinder plot coherence?
Risk of incomplete story if resolution never materializes.