Is it true that on occasion, the best beginning is found at the end?

1. 83

   K9keystrokesposted 12 years ago

   Is it true that on occasion, the best beginning is found at the end?

   replyreport
2. 66

   Simplicity4Allposted 12 years ago

   I think so, sometimes the end of something leaves you closing one door which sets you up to open up a new one. Who knows what this new door will bring you, another way to look at it is often at the end of achieving a goal we also feel accomplished which leads us to start planning to achieve a new accomplishment or goal. Hence an end leading again to a new beginning. Its a pretty beautiful cycle if done right don't you think?

   replyreport
3. 57

   bern927posted 12 years ago

   Yes -- with a qualifier, the qualifier being whether that is the best way to get your message across to your particular audience. Once you have determined what you want to say, to whom you want to say it, and what you hope to accomplish, structure becomes easier to manage. Of course, it also depends on how you define the terms "beginning" and "end". If it's at the end, is it truly the beginning? Is the end really the end, or simply the end of that particular piece of writing?

   replyreport
4. 59

   MickSposted 12 years ago

   That is a ploy made by lovers and writers of Literature (the capital is deliberate).  They are so terrified of any element of plot entering their stories that they blurt the ending at the start.

   replyreport
5. 60

   blogvicarposted 12 years ago

   In my experience - with my editor's hat on - 'beginnings' are the bane of new writers' lives. They worry about getting their books off to a great start, and stutter and waffle for pages, until they get into their stride.
   
   My advice is simple: opening are critical, but the time to sort them out is once the end has been reached; the time when the first draft is in the bag. Then writers should return to the opening sentences and paragraphs and make damn sure they hook readers with tantalising teases about 'the joys to come'.
   
   As a writer I like plots that live human lives. Ones that are born, mature . . . and reach a conclusion. By all means play tricks with the structure, but start well, and you'll end well, with luck. Keep writing!

   replyreport
6. 68

   Keri Summersposted 12 years ago

   I know that my best short story ideas are ready to get stuck into when I know what's going to happen at the end, the actual line if possible.  Example, in Maupassant's "Le Collier", the line "La mienne était fausse" is one I would love to have been able to write.  I was introduced to Maupassant through French "A" level and really glad to discover him.  (Story "The Necklace" and line "Mine were false").
   
   Also, I do try to start every short story with a climax in action, but not an "end".  Get stuck straight in there and hook the reader!  Hopefully!  Interesting question.

   replyreport
7. 59

   learnloveliveposted 12 years ago

   Most always. In life, in death, in struggle; we find our true victory in fulfillment and accomplishment. Any process is often a learning experience and individuals will find themselves more established from it. Whether it's more established in lunacy or in genius, doesn't matter. There is still a process of fulfillment. Every new beginning come from some other beginning's end. That's the truth in and of itself. To deny it is to deny yourself, it doesn't hurt anyone else but you ultimately.
   
   We'll all perish one day. Why live in denial?
   
   Hope sees no end. True hope is perpetual. Ending and beginning doeesn't really even exist, it's a fabrication of false-security. There should be no end or beginning, only that which simply, is.
   
   In this respect, the best beginning would yet, again be found at the end. The end of marginalization. The beginning of acceptance; logic; rationality; accountability; and truth.

   replyreport
8. 61

   Princess Priscaposted 12 years ago

   
   
   Yes, I believe that sometimes the best beginnings can be found at an ending.  Having a door close only to have a window or another door open before you. 
   
   Then there is always the case of saying good-bye to someone only to say hello to them years later with surprising developments to occur between the two of you.
   
   I can't end this answer without mentioning that sometimes you have to end something in order to experience a much needed "new beginning."
   
   Good question K9keystrokes.

   replyreport
9. 60

   Hui (蕙)posted 12 years ago

   Of course it is, because the process may feel bitter, but the sun would be especially shining when an expected end comes out. It is the time when to thank god, "I had a best beginning."

   replyreport
10. 82

    msvioletsposted 12 years ago

    Life is an ever turning circle.  All endings create the opportunity for new beginnings.  And all beginnings start with an end; of something.  As a writer, your challenge is to sort out where the heart of your story begins, and where you want to start the telling, and when to reveal what ends, and what begins (or began as the case may be).

    replyreport
11. 63

    Lady_Eposted 12 years ago

    Sort of.... There is a quote that says: “There will come a time when you believe everything is finished. That will be the beginning.”
    
    Sometimes, when you end a relationship, leave a job, close a door to something, - amazingly a beautiful thing will happen.
    
    Must be a Karma thing.

    replyreport
12. 58

    efroideposted 12 years ago

    yes. knowing what will happen, you know where to start and have the motivation needed to reach the end.

    replyreport
13. 59

    move2moveposted 12 years ago

    What if the reality is that there never has been an End or a Beginning to anything but the ones we give to things & events in existence? When asking the question when the Big Bang actually happened, the Researchers avoid to see the obvious ...
    Applied to everything we know or at least think we know, it's happening all the time and constantly "Now" ... you just have to look around, in the world, in Nature and even in your life. But often our own expectations and sens of appreciation makes us blind about the obvious right in front of us ... be it what we consider being the beginning, the end or the best & worst within the whole spectrum of what we perceive ...
    The best is just a question of appreciation of the event rather than a question of time frame that you actually set up yourself as you clearly must have defined it somehow ...most likely... ;-)
    
    Question then becomes..
    "What is it that you appreciate in Life?"

    replyreport