The Endings

I never start writing before I know what the ending of the story will be. At least that’s the plan.

When an idea strikes me, I work on research, outlines, subplots, characters and the like before writing the first word. Even still, endings cause the biggest trouble for me. Without fail.

The idea I initially plan is generally well intentioned. It fits with the plot, the character, any twists or themes. That doesn’t mean it will stay the same as I planned. In fact, it most often does not. Mostly because once I read the completed draft, I realize the ending no longer fits. Sometimes it needs a serious overhaul before moving forward. Or perhaps minor tweaks.

I’ve also experienced endings I believe fit at first but later on, it dawns on me there needs to be a change. For the longest time, discovering these much needed edits would bother me. I had planned so carefully! Why didn’t things work out? And then one day it hit me. The ending, like the rest of the book, is alive. It shifts and changes and surprises you.

Things don’t have to go according to plan. I don’t need to get my ending right the first time words hit the page. I don’t even need it to be right when betas read through the draft. Writing is always a work in progress, so building up endings to a level that suggests they must be perfect simply isn’t true.

Nothing in writing is final until it’s in print. So there’s no need to stress so much over a tough or messy ending. Do your best. And that’s the best you can do.

What have your experiences with endings been? Do you find yourself sticking to your guns or editing with each round?