Heh, I've heard the same thing, only about wallpaper hangers.
I understand what you're saying about it not needing to spring fully formed, Athena-like from the brow, but it seems that at least a
basic plot would be rather necessary, otherwise, it's not really a story.
Besides, I'm mindful of the tenant that a writer is someone who writes, that if you must write you're a writer, regardless of whether anyone ever reads it.