From End to Beginning
In creative writing courses - especially those for fiction writing - we are always told to outline our stories...
Beginning - Middle - End
This formula, the basic structure of a story, allows for the story to be mapped out, and helps the writer plan the story in some sort of logical sequence. But what happens when you flip the coin and turn the formula on its head? You get...
End - Beginning - Middle
Now, before anyone thinks that I've got a few screw loose in my head - which my husband would wholeheartedly agree with, mind you - let me tell you how I know my brain-child formula actually works.
On 21st June 2008, I was invited to conduct a creative writing session with the girls at Waheedah Youth Network in Lewisham, London. The night before, while planning the activity I would do with them, I heard a 'ting!' - it was my idea lightbulb coming on in my head. So I planned the activity, and couldn't wait to do try it with the girls.
I held strips of paper in my hand, and asked the girls - who were in groups of two - to choose a strip of paper. On each strip was the end of a story. Yes, the girls thought I was mad too, but I told them to write the outline of the beginning and middle, which eventually lead to the end they have. And so they went to work.
I was unsure about what they would come up with, but I was ecstatic with the results of the activity. The stories were so well thought out, and who would have thought that this ending:
"I love you too," he whispered in her ear, and snuggled up for the most peaceful night he would have for the last five years. "It's great to be back."
... would have a sci-fi beginning and middle? I certainly didn't; and although the girls who received that ending were too coy and giggly to read the ending aloud with a straight face, they proved that my end to beginning formula can spark some fantastically exciting stories.
Why not give it a whirl?
'From End to Beginning' was posted on July 4, 2008 by Umm Junayd under Writer's Tips , and tagged with exercise, writers, writing tips
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6 Comments
Mashallah i love the idea :D i'm 14 year old girl and i love writing but i'v never been able to finish what i start lol. this might help. thnks
Mashaa`Allaah, Sadiyah. You seem mature for a 14 year-old. I don't know many who actually like write. Inshaa`Allaah this will help to complete your writing - you're not the only one who doesn't finish things off... I've also got many unfinished pieces! Too many ideas bubbling in my head. :D
I have a q bout the "Fiction4you" can anyone submit?
And mayb u shud put a sample of how you guys want us to send in our stuff?
thnks again
Fiction4You. is An-Najm's brand for fiction aimed at 12-24 year old Muslims. We're moving away from labelling appropriate fiction as 'Islamic fiction' or 'Muslim fiction' for two main reasons:
1. It puts some people off - they think that because a book is 'Islamic', it is preachy... we don't want anyone to think that about our books.
2. It's easier to make our books more accessible for non-Muslims to stock, and even gain some interest in (i.e. in bookshops, libraries etc.).
When you say 'a sample' do you mean a sample of how the manuscript should be formatted?
Thanks for stopping by Sadiyah!
- Umm Junayd.
Yes, i have considered submitting but i'm still unsure about a few things...
Send us an email at info@an-najmpublishers.co.uk and we'll try to help in whatever way we can, inshaa`Allaah.
- Umm Junayd.