"I don't have a plan for a story when I sit down to write. I would get quite bored carrying it out"
About this Quote
The quote by Michael Ondaatje highlights a spontaneous and natural technique to writing, one that accepts unpredictability and discovery. Ondaatje expresses a preference for an absence of established structure or detailed planning when he starts to compose. This suggests an openness to the creative procedure, enabling the story to unfold naturally, driven by instinct and imagination instead of stiff standards.
This point of view can be liberating for writers who find inspiration in the act of writing itself, where the story develops as they engage with it. It enables flexibility, affording the author the liberty to check out various instructions, characters, and situations without feeling confined by a preconceived plot. By not having a strict plan, Ondaatje mean a vibrant relationship between the author and the story, where surprises and unanticipated advancements are welcome and improve the innovative journey.
Additionally, Ondaatje's admission of potential boredom with carrying out a premeditated plan suggests that for him, storytelling is an adventure. He sees composing as an exploration instead of a job with a set endpoint. This approach can lead to more genuine and compelling narratives, as the writer stays actively engaged and curious throughout the process. The essence of this technique lies in embracing uncertainty and trusting one's creative instincts.
For readers, stories birthed from such spontaneity can use fresh, special experiences. These stories might resonate more deeply as they catch the raw, unfiltered ideas of the author, making the reading experience as unforeseeable and interesting as the composing process itself.
Eventually, Ondaatje's quote celebrates the creative value of flexibility, instinct, and the happiness of discovery in writing. It encourages aspiring writers to welcome the unidentified, to discover enjoyment while doing so, and to rely on the organic advancement of their stories.
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