Deanna Biloski

There’s something magical about curling up with a good story, a cup of tea in hand, and losing yourself in the pages. But have you ever wondered how those stories come to life? For me, it all begins at the end.

Whenever I’m writing a story, I always start by thinking about how it will end. Yes, the ending! It might seem a bit backward, but trust me, there’s a method to the madness. What do I want the result of the story to be? How will my characters be different? Who will still be there, and who won’t? Where will they end up, and most importantly, where will you, the reader, be left?

Starting with the end in mind and working backwards is like having a cozy, well-worn roadmap. It’s comforting to know where you’re headed, especially when the journey gets tough. This approach is incredibly helpful, not just for short stories, but for novels too, especially those that are part of a series.

Imagine you’re knitting a warm scarf. You wouldn’t start in the middle, right? You’d begin with a clear vision of the finished product. Knowing how it all ends helps you figure out the path and choices your characters need to make to get the result you want. It’s like ensuring each stitch is perfectly placed to create a beautiful pattern by the time you cast off.

Think of your favorite series—how satisfying is it when each book leads seamlessly to a grand finale? That’s the power of planning with the end in mind. Your characters evolve naturally, their decisions make sense, and the narrative flows smoothly, keeping readers eagerly turning the pages.

So, next time you sit down to write, cozy up with the thought of your story’s ending. Let it guide you through the twists and turns, ensuring a satisfying and well-crafted tale. After all, every good story deserves a memorable conclusion, one that leaves readers feeling like they’ve just had the coziest of chats with an old friend.