Starting Stories from the End: A Strategic Approach
Is it useful to write a story from the end first? Many successful authors, including John Grisham, advocate for this method. While it may seem counterintuitive, knowing the climax can provide a clear direction and purpose for the entire narrative. This article explores the benefits and challenges of this approach and provides insights from established authors and writers.
Understanding the Importance of the Ending
Most of the stories we encounter in everyday life have a finish line long before we start. For a storyteller, the ending is a critical element that guides the entire plot. Just as a skyscraper has a foundation, a frame, and all the detailed work in between, a story has its blueprint. Knowing the ending is like having the design plans for the skyscraper, ensuring that every brick fits perfectly into place.
Developing the Story from the Core
The core of your story is like a foundational stone. It represents the basic plot and character arcs, the key elements that form the structure. The next step is the framework, which includes the details and secondary plots. Lastly, the writing comes, filling in the gaps and bringing everything to life. However, even in this seemingly linear process, flexibility is often necessary. Characters may evolve, and events may change, but the overarching goal remains clear.
The Benefits of Starting from the End
Choosing to start from the end can be beneficial for several reasons:
Direction and Purpose: Knowing the ending provides a clear direction for the entire journey. It gives the writer a sense of purpose and helps in maintaining a cohesive narrative.
Rational Work: It allows the writer to work rationally, setting plot points and goals that lead directly to the climax.
Enhanced Engagement: When the ending is known, it can increase engagement, as readers may anticipate the resolution and feel more invested in the story.
Examples from Famous Authors
Several famous authors have utilized this method to various extents. Take, for example, the highly successful Australian novelist who wrote a murder mystery where the key event was revealed later in the book. This technique allowed her to build suspense and maintain reader engagement. Similarly, J.K. Rowling’s “Harry Potter” series and George Lucas’s “Star Wars” trilogy feature intricate storylines that are planned out in detail from the beginning, with the final chapter or scene often written well in advance.
Personal Experiences and Insights
From personal experience, the author has found that knowing the ending helps in shaping the plot points and ensuring that the narrative flows logically. While some stories may not follow this method exactly, having a clear ending in mind can be highly beneficial. For instance, in many of the author's own works, the last dialogue or scene is often written early on, giving them a premonition of the ending. This approach, while not always rational, helps in maintaining a coherent story.
Conclusion
Starting a story from the end is a strategic approach that can significantly enhance the storytelling process. Whether it's through rational planning or a more intuitive method, knowing the ultimate destination can provide a roadmap and ensure that every step leads to the climax. As John Grisham might say, 'you have to know the ending.' This knowing can transform a chaotic narrative into a cohesive and engaging story.