Book Quote by Dave Barry
“I really need to know where I'm going with fiction to write it in a way that at least I'm happy with. And I really think that a lot of fiction books end badly because terrific writers said, "I'll just figure it out" and plunge in, but have created so many problems that they are kind of impossible to solve. I mean, I'm talking really good writers do this and you can tell when they got to the end they either had to do something preposterous or they just don't really resolve things. So for fiction I spend a lot more time outlining and for humor I really don't do much of it.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Dave Barry on Writing, 2005
Writers who improvise plot often create unresolvable problems; planning helps ensure coherent, satisfying endings.
In simple terms: Planning prevents plot holes and unsatisfying conclusions.
Key Takeaway
Outline before writing.
Themes
writing
planning
plot
resolution
creativity
Mood
thoughtful
pragmatic
Type
advice
instructional
When to use this quote
- Novel drafting
- short story creation
- screenwriting
- humor writing
- self‑editing
Key Concepts
Narrative structure
storytelling
problem solving
Questions to Reflect On
- How much outline is enough?
- When should you trust intuition?
A Different Perspective
Over‑planning can stifle spontaneity and reduce organic humor.
