Writing controlled fiction is called "plotting." Buckling…
““Writing controlled fiction is called "plotting." Buckling your seatbelt and letting the story take over, however...that is called "storytelling." Storytelling is as natural as breathing; plotting is the literary version of artificial respiration.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
He contrasts plotting (forced structure) with storytelling (natural flow), likening plotting to artificial breathing.
In simple terms: Storytelling is natural, plotting is forced.
Let stories unfold organically.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- novel drafting
- creative workshops
- editing
- author coaching
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- When should you plot versus improvise?
- How does structure aid or hinder creativity?
Rigid plotting can stifle originality.