Community Discussion

Do you ever write the ending first?

April 14, 2014
Beverly Author Level X3

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On occasion, I take time to write short fiction stories. And, I like knowing where the story will go, so I write the ending first, rather than struggling with the opening scene.

Then I can simply write all the scenes and parts of the story that led up to it. Knowing the end helps to keep me on track so that every action the characters take moves them clearly toward the final goal.

When the story is completed, I edit the final scene so it blends in with the rest of the story.
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April 14, 2014
NaturalWriter
This is something I haven't done.

I write the way I read, or watch a movie.
I don't like knowing the ending until the ending comes! Plus my mind changes direction so often, it would only end up being changed about a thousand times. Do you ever write the ending first?

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April 20, 2014
Michaela
This is something I haven't done.

I write the way I read, or watch a movie.
I don't like knowing the ending until the ending comes! Plus my mind changes direction so often, it would only end up being changed about a thousand times. Do you ever write the ending first?


I love the surprise endings most and that's why I always write in chronological order so I can find out what happens at the same pace the reader does. It's much more fun this way for me.

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September 10, 2017
Corzhens
With a short story, I don't remember writing the ending first. My style is to write the story outline which dictates the sequence of events. That way, writing the entire story would be easier for I have a sort of a guide. And when I think the ending or a hint of the ending is better to be in the beginning, that's the time to ponder on the how and the why. Veteran writers say that a straightforward story is best for a beginner.

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