Clever Vs. Lazy?

        Clever - to continue in like vein?
        Lazy - get the job part done by starting with the outline.
I read thus - "~ ~ ~ the fifth novel to be written by Alastair MacNeill from a MacLean story outline.~ ~ ~ ~"  Must save a bit of Brain-ache having the idea given to you?
      So far I am enjoying it - BUT - did think I was about to read an Alistair MacLean; until I took a second/closer look.