Writing the Ending First (Even If You Change It Later)
Writing the ending first is a technique that many writers overlook, yet it can be a powerful way to bring clarity and focus to your storytelling. Endings are often the hardest part of a story to write because they must resolve conflicts, deliver emotional impact, and leave readers satisfied. Starting with the ending gives you a clear destination, helping you avoid getting lost in plot tangents or rewrites later on.
If you’ve ever felt stuck wondering how to conclude your story or found yourself rewriting the last chapters repeatedly, writing the ending first might be the solution you need. It allows you to map out your story’s trajectory with purpose, ensuring each scene builds toward that final payoff.
In this post, you’ll discover why writing the ending first can improve your narrative structure, increase your motivation, and make the entire writing process smoother—no matter your genre or experience level.
Why Endings Are So Difficult to Write
Endings carry a lot of weight—they’re the final impression your story leaves on readers. But many writers find endings challenging because they must tie together plot threads, resolve conflicts, and deliver an emotional payoff that feels earned. This complexity can lead to uncertainty about how to wrap things up effectively.
Without a clear idea of the ending, it’s easy to lose focus or get stuck in endless revisions. Writers often struggle with questions like:
What’s the point of my story?
How should my characters change?
What emotions do I want readers to feel at the close?
These questions are tough to answer without a destination in mind.
Moreover, the pressure to create a satisfying and impactful ending can cause writers to delay finishing their work or avoid the ending altogether. This hesitation can slow progress and make the writing process feel frustrating or overwhelming.
Recognizing these common struggles is the first step toward overcoming them—and it’s precisely why writing the ending first can be such a game-changer.
Benefits of Writing the Ending First
Writing the ending first offers several key advantages that can transform your entire writing process.
1. Provides Clear Direction
Knowing your story’s conclusion upfront gives you a roadmap to follow. This clarity helps you avoid wandering plotlines and keeps your narrative focused on building toward that ending.
2. Enhances Thematic and Emotional Cohesion
When you understand how your story ends, you can weave themes and emotional beats consistently throughout. This intentionality deepens your story’s impact.
3. Reduces Plot Holes and Inconsistencies
Having the destination in mind makes it easier to spot and fix plot holes early. You’ll structure scenes and character arcs that logically lead to your ending.
4. Boosts Motivation and Confidence
Writing with the end in sight can keep you motivated, especially during challenging middle sections. It’s easier to push forward when you know where you’re going.
5. Enables Intentional Foreshadowing and Pacing
You can plant clues and build suspense more effectively, knowing exactly when and how the story will conclude.
Overall, writing the ending first turns an often intimidating task into a guiding tool that shapes your story from start to finish.
Writing the Ending First Without Spoiling Your Creativity
Writing the ending first doesn’t mean locking yourself into a rigid, unchangeable conclusion. Instead, think of it as setting a flexible destination that guides your creative journey.
Keep Your Ending Open to Change
Start by drafting a general idea or key emotional moment rather than every detail. This leaves room to evolve your ending naturally as the story develops.
Focus on the Outcome, Not the Exact Events
Define what you want your readers to feel or understand at the end, rather than scripting every step. This approach gives you creative freedom while maintaining clear goals.
Use Outlines or Summaries
Write a brief outline or summary of your intended ending. You can revisit and revise it as needed, adapting to new story discoveries.
Embrace Genre-Specific Flexibility
In genres like mystery or thriller, you might write the big reveal first; in memoir or nonfiction, the final insight or takeaway. Tailor your ending-first approach to suit your genre’s needs.
Balance Planning with Exploration
Writing the ending first is a tool to reduce uncertainty, not a box that confines creativity. Allow yourself to experiment with scenes and characters along the way.
By viewing your ending as a guide rather than a rulebook, you can harness the benefits of writing the ending first while keeping your creativity vibrant.
Examples from Famous Authors and Writing Programs
Many successful authors and writing instructors advocate for writing the ending first as a way to strengthen storytelling.
Author Examples
J.K. Rowling reportedly planned the ending of the Harry Potter series early on, which helped her carefully plant clues and foreshadow key events throughout the books.
Kurt Vonnegut famously emphasized having a clear ending in mind to avoid meandering plots, saying that knowing the ending is vital for good storytelling.
Writing Programs and Teachers
The Snowflake Method, developed by author and physicist Randy Ingermanson, encourages writers to start with a one-sentence summary that often includes the ending or main resolution.
Writing teacher John Truby advises authors to design their story’s ending first to ensure the plot and character arcs build effectively toward that conclusion.
Why These Examples Matter
These authors and methods show that writing the ending first isn’t about stifling creativity—it’s about providing a solid foundation so that every part of your story serves a clear purpose.
Common Concerns and How to Address Them
Many writers hesitate to start with the ending because they worry it might spoil the story or limit creativity. Here are some common concerns—and why they shouldn’t hold you back.
“Won’t Writing the Ending First Spoil the Surprise?”
Knowing your ending doesn’t mean revealing every detail early on. It’s about having a destination, not a spoiler. You can still craft twists and surprises along the way while guiding your story toward a satisfying conclusion.
“What If I Change My Mind Later?”
Flexibility is key. Writing the ending first doesn’t mean it’s set in stone. You can revise and adapt your ending as your story evolves. Think of it as a roadmap that can be updated—not a fixed rule.
“Doesn’t This Limit My Creativity?”
Actually, having a clear ending can free your creativity by reducing uncertainty and giving you a focus. It helps you make deliberate choices instead of wandering aimlessly.
By addressing these concerns, you can embrace writing the ending first as a tool to enhance your storytelling rather than restrict it.
Practical Steps to Try Writing the Ending First
If you’re new to writing the ending first, here are some simple steps to get started without feeling overwhelmed:
1. Write a Summary of Your Ending
Jot down a paragraph or two summarizing how you want your story to conclude. Focus on the key emotional or plot resolution you want readers to experience.
2. Draft the Final Scene or Chapter
Try writing the last scene as a standalone piece. This helps you get a feel for the tone, stakes, and emotions you want to leave your readers with.
3. Identify the Main Themes or Messages
Clarify what your story is ultimately about. Use this to guide how your ending ties back to those themes.
4. Use Your Ending as a Story Map
Refer back to your ending summary as you outline or write earlier chapters, ensuring each scene builds toward your conclusion.
5. Allow Room for Change
Remember, your ending isn’t set in stone. As you write, you might discover new possibilities—feel free to revise your ending accordingly.
By taking these manageable steps, you’ll build confidence in writing the ending first and set yourself up for a more focused and fulfilling writing process.
Embrace the Power of Writing the Ending First
Writing the ending first might feel unconventional, but it’s a strategy that can bring clarity, motivation, and purpose to your entire writing journey. By knowing where your story ends, you create a roadmap that guides every chapter and scene, making your writing more focused and your storytelling more impactful.
At Atmosphere Press, we believe every writer’s journey is unique—and finding the right tools and techniques, like writing the ending first, can unlock your best work yet. Ready to take control of your story’s ending and start writing with confidence? Dive into your next project knowing the finish line is already in sight.
Erin K. Larson-Burnett, Production Manager at Atmosphere Press (submit your manuscript here!), is a born-and-raised Southerner currently living in Katy, Texas, with her husband and their small domestic zoo. She is an avid ink drinker who lives and breathes books—during the day, she works remotely with authors around the world, honing and perfecting books published through Atmosphere Press. By night, she crafts her own stories…or at least tries to. The Bear & the Rose is her debut novel.
Atmosphere Press is a selective hybrid publisher founded in 2015 on the principles of Honesty, Transparency, Professionalism, Kindness, and Making Your Book Awesome. Our books have won dozens of awards and sold tens of thousands of copies. If you’re interested in learning more, or seeking publication for your own work, please explore the links below.
