Do I know the ending of my stories when I begin to write?
Yes, usually I do. In both my YA novel Absolutely Positively Not, as well as the middle grade novel that I'm currently working on, not only did I know the ending early in the process, but I also knew the exact wording I wanted for the very last line. It's nice to have that goal to work towards, and it's nice to have a powerful ending line in mind, but I worry that having such a specific destination prevents me from letting the story wander into unexpected, and perhaps more interesting, territory.
Tonight, however, I don't know the ending to my real life story. I'm in the middle of a school residency and when I got home tonight, I lost my voice completely. Yikes! I hope lots of warm water with lemon and a long steamy shower tonight can restore my voice before I return to the school in the morning. An author visit where the author can't talk is not very interesting.
7 comments:
I like the idea that you have a goal you're working toward in your stories. I bet the middles are full of surprises for you.
Hope you feel better soon, David! Years ago I went on a silent retreat with Madeleine L'Engle as the speaker. We were silent and she spoke. Maybe you can create a flipflop variation on this if your voice doesn't come back.
I'm working with first graders, Christy, and I have no doubt that they could talk nonstop for the entire residency!
Good luck with finding your voice today, David! I've found that my voice is my biggest weakness, and I, too, have been in the same situation. Maybe you can have a "whispering" day with the first graders.
I'm looking forward to reading the middle grade novel you're working on now!
I understand your dilemma between having an ending in mind versus letting the story evolve as you write it. Though, like you, I certainly feel more "secure" when I know where I'm going in a story, even though detours along the way can still happen, and sometimes those detours lead to a new ending. In that case, I'm even happier because the original ending gave me the security to begin the work while the new ending gave me an even better story--if that makes sense.
Good luck today!!
When I used to work with Debra in the schools, she lost her voice several times and the "whisper" days were very successful-- the kids listened even harder! I hope your day works out today, David.
Setting a goal for the end is a very good idea, but perhaps being open to change is also a good idea. My husband Matthew has been writing a novel and way back in November he wrote the ending with everything leading that way-- then last week, the ending changed because the story led to a new one!
Your take on secure endings is a good one, Mark. I hope I can be flexible enough to recognize a better ending if one comes my way. I've done that with a picture book that has just been sent to the illustrator: I had a particular ending in mind, but advice from my editor and critique group eventually led me to a new (and stronger) one...though I kicked and clawed a bit before letting go of my original idea!
I love the idea of a "whisper" day with the students (I remember doing that when I was a classroom teacher), but no, today I am at home and will reschedule the remainder of my residency. It's turning out to be a blessing; this unexpected day at home is giving me a chance to catch up on a mountain of work that has accumulated during a very busy spring, so I'm happy to be quietly working at home.
Uggh, I hope your recover your voice and are feeling better soon! I am intrigued by your process of knowing your ending. I struggle with the growing plot, twists and turns, and an unknown ending. Feel as if it may even be my achilles heal . . .
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