"On the other hand, I still approach each book with the same basic plan in mind - to put some people under severe stress and see how they hold up"

This quote by Terry Brooks talks to the concept of creating a story that puts characters in tight spots and seeing how they react. It recommends that Brooks has a plan in mind when composing a book, which is to put his characters in a difficult environment and observe how they react. This could be translated as a way of evaluating the strength of his characters and seeing how they manage the difficulties they deal with. It also indicates that Brooks is trying to find a method to produce a story that is interesting and amusing for readers, as they will be able to connect to the characters and their struggles. Eventually, this quote recommends that Brooks is looking to produce stories that are both amusing and thought-provoking, as readers will be able to learn from the characters' experiences.