"In fiction, you have a rough idea what's coming up next - sometimes you even make a little outline - but in fact you don't know. Each day is a whole new - and for me, a very invigorating - experience"

Fiction writing unfolds as an unpredictable journey, shaped by both intention and surprise. An author may approach the blank page holding a sense of direction, perhaps armed with an outline that traces the story’s anticipated path. Yet, beneath the outline’s apparent order lies an ever-changing terrain. Characters might rebel, scenes may demand reshaping, and new possibilities burst unexpectedly onto the page. The writing process transcends rigid planning, evolving with each session at the desk. Every day brings unforeseen twists, discoveries, and demands improvisation and open-mindedness from the author.

For some, this uncertainty can feel daunting, but Peter Matthiessen finds it invigorating. Not knowing precisely what lies ahead injects creative energy into the act of writing. The blank page transforms into a landscape rich with unknown potential, where each session might bring a revelation, the birth of a character, the unforeseen turn of plot, or the discovery of deeper meaning within the narrative. The author, like a traveler, sets out with intentions but must remain adaptable, following the story where it wants to go rather than clinging rigidly to prior plans.

This perspective highlights the organic nature of storytelling. Fiction is alive, responsive not only to the conscious choices of the writer but also to subterranean impulses: intuition, subconscious themes, and the emotional truth that emerges in the creative process. The lack of total control thus becomes a source of joy rather than frustration. Matthiessen acknowledges that uncharted narrative territory, rather than being something to fear, is enriching. The uncertainty is refreshing, fueling curiosity and engagement. Each writing day offers a renewed opportunity, fresh challenges, new angles, and the constant thrill of discovery. Rather than a prescribed sequence of events, fiction offers a dynamic creative experience, always filled with surprises that keep both author and reader invested in the unfolding story.