I always write the end first. Even if I don’t have a clear idea about what my hero’s journey will be, I write the end first. It is my innate need to know where I’m going. The only way I know when I’m getting to my destination.
Also, looking back has its advantages. You can see clearly what shouldn’t be in the book as well as find new subplots by simply asking “what if?”
It might be perceived as a limitation, but for me is the best way I found to convert all my effort into writing a complete, interesting story. If I don’t feel the need to change the ending while I’m writing the book, it means that is a good ending, one I believe in.
You should know it might seem limiting to write your story with an ending in mind before you even start writing. But if you’re feeling stuck or have writer’s block, this could be just what you need to get on track again—just knowing where your hero will end up is enough for now! This method has its advantages too: not only does it help us find our way through potential plot twists more easily than when we don’t know what they are until later, but looking back from time to time means we can see clearly.
While the beginning of the book determines a person to read your story, the end will create the need to tell others about this book and buy the next one.