When you do your research write down whatever interests…
“When you do your research write down whatever interests you. Whatever stimulates your imagination. Whatever seems important. A story is built like a stone wall. Not all the stones will fit. Some will have to be discarded. Some broken and reshaped. When you finish the wall it may not look exactly like the wall you envisioned, but it will keep the livestock in and the predators out. (pg. 144)”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Research should be recorded as it sparks ideas, even if not all pieces fit; the final narrative may differ but will serve its purpose.
In simple terms: Write down interesting research bits; edit later.
Key Takeaway
Capture ideas, then refine.
Themes
creativity
writing
research
Mood
reflective
determined
Type
instructional
inspirational
When to use this quote
- novel drafting
- journalistic reporting
- academic paper planning
- storyboarding
Key Concepts
narrative construction
iteration
editing
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you decide which ideas to keep?
- What criteria guide discarding material?
A Different Perspective
Not all material will be usable; some may be irrelevant.