Writing Assignment: It's All About The End
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- 11/4/2010 |
- 10:00 am
During my writing workshops, I often talk about ways to spur your creative juices. One of those methods is to start at the end (see my previous writing tip, "Writing Backwards"). So, this month your assignment is to do just that. Here's the scoop...
It's the end of the year, so I thought it might be fun to challenge you to start a story at the end.
The analogy that I use in my workshops is this: it's easier to drive somewhere when you can actually see your destination. You don't have to fool around with maps, or asking directions, or looking for landmarks. You see the end, and you go there.
Well, your writing can work the same way. For this assignment, I want you to write a story that's at least two-pages long...but I want you to write the ending first. Yes, it sounds strange, but this is also a very popular exercise that writers seem to enjoy.
Think up an interesting (that's always the key!) ending to a story. Write it. Now you can go back and start at the beginning, and figure out how to connect the dots so that you end up at your exciting finish. It doesn't mean you might not make a few alterations when you get to the end, but at least you have a finish in mind.
This exercise will jar your senses a bit. We're used to thinking in real-time, right? Don't be surprised if you don't find out that this technique really works well for you. You might use it more often! Remember, if you really want to be a successful writer, sometimes you need to kick yourself out of your comfort zone and try new things. Good luck, and have fun!
