Current Tip Struggle History Begin with the End Story Problems Situations and Stories Using Verbs With Feeling Description Choosing Topics Getting Started

September 2006: Begin with the End

Let’s start by reviewing what we have already discussed about writing stories.

First, the difference between a situation and a story: A situation is simply a problem no one can do anything about. Not even a change of heart will help. A story is a problem someone must struggle to resolve. The main character may get what she wants or she may change—or both, of course—but in a story a resolution of some kind is possible.

Second, a story plan: Story begins with a character, a character who has a problem he must struggle to solve or who wants something she must struggle to get. So you need to know who your character is, what the problem is—or what the goal is—and what or who is keeping your character from getting what he wants. When you have the answers to those questions, you are almost ready to begin writing your story.

But there is one more piece to a story plan. I recommend that you have an ending in mind before you begin to write.

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