Skip to content

Anybody can do research. The plotting of the novel…

“Anybody can do research. The plotting of the novel, writing the ending before you write anything else, which I always do - I don't know that everybody can do that. That's the hard part.” quote by John Irving
Download Open image
“Anybody can do research. The plotting of the novel, writing the ending before you write anything else, which I always do - I don't know that everybody can do that. That's the hard part.”

John Irving

About This Quote

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

Research is easy, but planning a story’s structure and ending ahead of time is the real challenge.

In simple terms: Planning a story’s ending first is hard.

Key Takeaway

Focus on structure before writing.

Themes

creativity writing planning

Mood

reflective determined

Type

literary advice

When to use this quote

  • novel writing
  • screenwriting
  • academic research

Key Concepts

Narrative structure plotting

Questions to Reflect On

  • Do you always outline before you write?
  • How does early plotting affect spontaneity?
A Different Perspective

Some writers thrive without pre‑planned endings.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by John Irving

Explore all 641 John Irving quotes

More Always quotes

Browse all 36,048 Always quotes