Quote:
Originally Posted by ekster
I think Heinlein, by saying to never force an idea, means do not write something that you are not interested in.
If someone tells you to write a story about a boy teaming up with a robot from the future to save the world but you have no interest to do it, or if you thought it was a cool idea at first, but then lost interest, then don't force it and don't write it.
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It's a very bad paraphrase. In context he was saying allow your ideas to come to fruition before working on them. They need to be nurtured and coaxed into life, and if you try to force yourself to write them before they're ready, you'll kill them.
Now, I wouldn't say this would preclude all work on an idea. Taking notes, jotting down bits of dialog and whatever is probably appropriate. But if you're not ready to tell that story yet, let it rest. It's not going to vanish while you let it mature.