Always Quote by John Irving
“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.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: The New York Times, 1995
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.
![“JUST BECAUSE A BUNCH OF ATHEISTS ARE BETTER WRITERS THAN THE GUYS WHO WROTE THE BIBLE DOESN'T NECESSARILY MAKE THEM RIGHT!" [Owen Meany] said crossly. "LOOK AT THOSE WEIRDO TV MIRACLE-WORKERS--THEY'RE TRYING TO GET PEOPLE TO BELIEVE IN MAGIC! BUT THE REAL MIRACLES AREN'T ANYTHING YOU CAN…” quote by John Irving](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/70e/john-irving-337_atheists_just-because-a-bunch-of-atheists-are-bet_31804.jpg)
