The problem with scholarly focus is that it leads where you intend to go... when you get there, you're likely to find that your destination isn't all that interesting.
I could picture her in my head, sort of trudging around with...cleaning supplies...taking such care to never let anybody see her, never have to talk to anybody. Who is this woman and what happened to her?
"When I went back to start the novel itself, I realized that I had already written it." This statement highlights Patterson's emphasis on planning and outlines in the novel writing process, showcasing his approach to crafting stories that are both efficient and effective.