Hi Reader,

As writers, we know how important the first five pages are. It’s where we introduce the world, the characters, the concept, theme, and tone. Most importantly, it’s where we hook our readers. It’s a big job! So naturally, we rework, rewrite, and fine-tune those pages until they gleam like the Hope Diamond of storytelling.

But what about the ending? It often gets a lot less love. After all, if we write in order, by the time we reach that final scene, we might be exhausted. (Or let’s be real—sick of the story altogether!) Yet the ending is just as important as the beginning. It's the cherry on top, the part that lingers with our audience, leaving them craving more. It is the feeling that the story leaves us with that makes us love it so much.

The ending sticks with us long after the credits roll or the last page is turned, making readers or viewers say, "I need more!"

Here's what I mean:

📖 Favorite last novel lines:

"The scar had not pained Harry for nineteen years. All was well."

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, J.K. Rowling

''I never saw any of them again — except the cops. No way has yet been invented to say goodbye to them."

The Long Goodbye, Raymond Chandler

“Abiogenesis,” she said. “Let’s get started.”

Lessons in Chemistry, Bonnie Garmus

📽️ Favorite last movie lines:

“That’ll do pig. That’ll do.”

Babe, by George Miller & Chris Noonan (novel by Dick King-Smith)

“The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn’t exist.”

The Usual Suspects, Christopher McQuarrie

“Louis, I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.”

Casablanca, Julius J. Epstein & Howard Koch, based on a play by Murray Burnett & Joan Alison

“Forget it Jake. It’s Chinatown.”

Chinatown, Robert Towne

These great last lines brilliantly encapsulate the entire story, leaving you gutted.

The End is the Beginning

Some writers I know start with the last scene first. Crazy, but it works! Once the last moment is down on paper, they know where their story is heading—it’s their narrative North Star. This technique works for both plotters and pantsers. Whether you outline every twist and turn or fly by the seat of your creative pants, knowing your destination is invaluable. Sure, the ending might evolve along the way, but having a target keeps you focused. It gives you a clear sense of what your hero has to endure and, most importantly, how they’ll change.

Next time you start a new project, try writing the ending first. Here are three ways to get you started.

1. Fast-Forward to the Climax

Close your eyes and imagine the most intense, pivotal moment your story could have. What is your character fighting for? What’s at stake? Write this climactic moment as if you’re watching a movie scene. Then jot down a few key emotions or changes that might happen after that moment. Boom! You’ve just tapped into the energy that will drive your ending.

2. The Emotional Resolution

Think about how you want your audience to feel when the story ends. Inspired? Heartbroken? Uplifted? Make a list of emotions and pick the one that resonates with you. Now, write a scene where your characters experience that emotional high or low. This feeling can guide you toward what needs to happen in the final moments.

3. Write the Last Line

Try to write the very last line of your story first. Don’t overthink it! Let it be as big or small as you want—whether it’s a triumphant shout, a whispered confession, or just a single word. Then, work backward. What happened just before that line? Keep tracing backward until you have enough breadcrumbs to lead you to your ending.

You might find that writing the ending first unlocks all kinds of creative magic!

My Current Obsession

My current obsession is my to do list in my bullet journal. It’s so long! And I’m always coming up with new creative projects. But I’m a nut about writing everything down. It’s how I stay organized. There is nothing more satisfying than crossing off something on the list. That dopamine hit of momentum keeps me going. Fall is the perfect time to try new systems. Check out the bullet journal method. It’s a simple way of tracking projects, organizing notes, and keeping a to do list all in one notebook.

In Case You Missed It

​How to Find Your Writer's Voice​

​Try New Things to Boost Your Creativity​

​The Fairy Tale Fix: How to Unstick Your Story ​

Cheers,

Lindsey

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