Yes, dear writer. Your piece will not be complete without an ending. You probably would hear this advice many times over as you write: Everything should have a beginning, a middle, and an end.
Once you’ve started, given the background, worked your way through the conflict of the piece in a dramatic way, arrived at the climax, and resolved loose ends - there is no other way to turn to but the end.
And, please remember that the end is what you will leave to your readers. Give them something to remember …

Whether you’re actually writing something “dramatic” (be it sweet, tragic, or suspense) or something “comic”, the element of drama is there. It has something to do with your approach to the subject. When we say begin with action then provide some background - these are all part of the dramatic approach.
But, what comes after background when you’ve articulated the conflict?
Well, next in line with the dramatic approach is to the climax. The climax is the highest point of your piece - the clues to who murdered who becomes clear, the …

If you’re writing an article, there’s a different way of technically putting this in. But, you still have to think of conflict as you begin to write. Remember that the reason why you should be writing that article (other than the fact that you personally would like to share it), is that someone out there may need it. And, that need came out of a conflict. A personal longing for something new, something else, or something better.
It’s basically the same concept that goes with writing poems, essays, or stories. But, …

After that initial hook, you can now try to help your reader to understand what’s going on. This is a time when you can give the background. Why was there such a commotion in the first scene? What made you write that explosive sentence?
When you give the background, it’s when you explain some information to your readers in order to ‘reel them in’ - once you’ve ‘hooked’ them. Just be careful not to explain too much. Give your explanations gradually, interspersed throughout your work. Try to find creative ways to …

There are many ways to begin a written piece. And, one of the best ways to start is something I call “The Director Approach”.
In this approach, you put on a director’s cap. And, after you’ve conceptualised your story, poem, essay, or article, you turn off the ‘editorial/critical lights’ and turn on the ‘creative lights’. You then start rolling the camera… and, you go to your pen and paper (or word processor) and say, “Action!”
Creative Writing Project to Consider
Check your file of manuscripts and choose which one you feel most …

Every learner begins with the basics. In this series, we look at some first steps in creative writing. And, yes, it’s like going back to learn one’s ABCs.

This is the third and last installment from How to Arrive at Breakthrough Writing and Find W.O.W. (Words of Wisdom) Factors.
Be True To Your Writing Voice
We all have writers that we admire. We have heard of writers who “made it big.” It’s natural that we would like to be just like them. But, ask yourself these:
- Why do you really like or admire these writers?
- Is it his or her style of writing?
- Is it his or her …

This is the second installment from How to Arrive at Breakthrough Writing and Find W.O.W. (Words of Wisdom) Factors.
Face Your Writing Fears
Another tough task, I know. But, I had to, so I’ll know how to overcome these fears.
If you haven’t done so yet, make a list of these fears. Give them a name.
Some of my fears were (and some still insist on coming back every now and then):

Getting criticisms, especially for my grammar and other inadequacies.
Falling short of people’s expectations.
Sounding too “mushy” or unprofessional.
Being misjudged or misunderstood by …

This is the first installment from How to Arrive at Breakthrough Writing and Find W.O.W. (Words of Wisdom) Factors.
Ask Yourself Some Tough Questions
This one made me really feel uneasy at first. But, once I gave in and asked away, I found a release. Some of the questions I had to face were:

“Are you writing what you really want to write?”
If not, “What’s keeping you from writing things that really matter to you?”
“What is it that you actually want to say to others through your work?”
“Are you …

There’s no doubt about it. My writing picked up ever since I “re-discovered” Breakthrough Writing. Reader response improved, articles and stories just kept coming, ideas are in abundance, and most importantly, I feel good about what I’m writing about.
In this three-part series, I’ll be sharing with you some tips, ideas, and exercises on how to arrive at Breakthrough Writing.