"For the novels I wrote before selling anything, I didn't outline much. I had a vague idea of the story"

George Stephen's quote speaks with the importance of having a general idea of the story prior to starting to compose. He recommends that for the books he wrote prior to offering anything, he did not describe much, but he did have an unclear concept of the story. This implies that having a general concept of the story is necessary for the composing process. It permits the writer to have an instructions and a goal to work towards. Without a general idea of the story, the writer might end up being lost in the composing process and struggle to find a method to bring the story to a gratifying conclusion. Stephen's quote likewise speaks with the significance of being flexible and open to modifications in the story as it develops. Having a vague concept of the story enables the writer to be available to new ideas and changes that might occur during the writing procedure.