Writing Quote: To Plot, Or Not To Plot, That Is The Question
by Olivia Salter
Of course, the writer can impose control; It’s just a really shitty idea. 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.
― Stephen King
Stephen King, a prolific and celebrated author known for his contributions to the horror and suspense genres, once famously remarked on the distinction between writing controlled fiction and storytelling. In his insightful quote, King captures the essence of creativity and spontaneity in the art of writing, highlighting the contrast between rigidly plotting out a narrative and allowing the story to organically unfold.
“Of course, the writer can impose control; it's just a really shitty idea,” King asserts, challenging the notion that meticulously planning every detail of a story is the optimal approach. While structured plotting can offer a sense of control and direction, it may stifle the natural flow of creativity and limit the narrative’s potential for unpredictability and depth.
King goes on to suggest that writing controlled fiction is synonymous with “plotting,” a term often associated with outlining the storyline, mapping out character arcs, and meticulously planning every twist and turn. This method prioritizes structure and order, aiming to guide the reader through a carefully constructed plot.
In contrast, King champions the art of “storytelling” as a more organic and spontaneous form of writing. By likening storytelling to breathing, King emphasizes its innate and instinctual nature, proposing that the best stories arise when the writer surrenders control and allows the narrative to evolve naturally.
“Buckling your seatbelt and letting the story take over, however, is called'storytelling,” King explains, painting a vivid metaphor that urges writers to relinquish their preconceived notions and let the story guide them. This approach encourages writers to trust their instincts, embrace the unknown, and let the characters and plot develop organically, resulting in a more authentic and engaging narrative.
For King, storytelling is a deeply personal and intuitive process that taps into the writer’s creativity, imagination, and emotional depth. By allowing the story to unfold without rigid constraints, writers can explore new ideas, discover unexpected twists, and connect with readers on a deeper level.
In contrast, King views plotting as the “literary version of artificial respiration,” a forced and contrived way of breathing life into a story. While plotting can provide structure and coherence, it runs the risk of stifling creativity, dampening spontaneity, and creating a predictable and formulaic narrative.
In conclusion, Stephen King's insightful quote offers a valuable perspective on the art of writing, challenging writers to embrace storytelling as a natural and intuitive process that unfolds organically. By trusting in the creative process, allowing the characters to drive the narrative, and embracing the unknown, writers can craft compelling and authentic stories that resonate with readers on a profound level.
About the Author of the Quote
Stephen Edwin King
(born September 21, 1947) is an American author of horror, supernatural
fiction, suspense, crime, science-fiction, and fantasy novels.
Described as the "King of Horror", a play on his surname and a reference
to his high standing in pop culture, his books have sold more than 350
million copies, and many have been adapted into films, television
series, miniseries, and comic books. King has published 64 novels,
including seven under the pen name Richard Bachman, and five non-fiction
books. He has also written approximately 200 short stories, most of
which have been published in book collections. Wikipedia
“Of course, the writer can impose control; it's just a really shitty idea,” King asserts, challenging the notion that meticulously planning every detail of a story is the optimal approach. While structured plotting can offer a sense of control and direction, it may stifle the natural flow of creativity and limit the narrative’s potential for unpredictability and depth.
King goes on to suggest that writing controlled fiction is synonymous with “plotting,” a term often associated with outlining the storyline, mapping out character arcs, and meticulously planning every twist and turn. This method prioritizes structure and order, aiming to guide the reader through a carefully constructed plot.
In contrast, King champions the art of “storytelling” as a more organic and spontaneous form of writing. By likening storytelling to breathing, King emphasizes its innate and instinctual nature, proposing that the best stories arise when the writer surrenders control and allows the narrative to evolve naturally.
“Buckling your seatbelt and letting the story take over, however, is called'storytelling,” King explains, painting a vivid metaphor that urges writers to relinquish their preconceived notions and let the story guide them. This approach encourages writers to trust their instincts, embrace the unknown, and let the characters and plot develop organically, resulting in a more authentic and engaging narrative.
For King, storytelling is a deeply personal and intuitive process that taps into the writer’s creativity, imagination, and emotional depth. By allowing the story to unfold without rigid constraints, writers can explore new ideas, discover unexpected twists, and connect with readers on a deeper level.
In contrast, King views plotting as the “literary version of artificial respiration,” a forced and contrived way of breathing life into a story. While plotting can provide structure and coherence, it runs the risk of stifling creativity, dampening spontaneity, and creating a predictable and formulaic narrative.
In conclusion, Stephen King's insightful quote offers a valuable perspective on the art of writing, challenging writers to embrace storytelling as a natural and intuitive process that unfolds organically. By trusting in the creative process, allowing the characters to drive the narrative, and embracing the unknown, writers can craft compelling and authentic stories that resonate with readers on a profound level.
About the Author of the Quote
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