There is much debate about whether to write with a clear idea of the ending, or to wing it and let the writing unfold to a surprise conclusion. Before I started writing, I had no idea which process I would follow, but it soon became clear.
It is said that a friend once visited James Joyce as he wrote, inquiring upon arrival the source of the scribe’s obvious vexation. Of course it was the work, as always. “How many words did you get today?” queried the visitor. “Seven,” replied Joyce. “Seven? But James… that’s good, at least for you.” “Yes,” Joyce at last assented, before lamenting, “But I don’t know what order they go in!”
I think many writers can relate to the challenge of determining sequence and structure across an entire manuscript. So, who’s right? Is it better to set down your stakes straight away, finish line forever in sight, or at least in mind—or to wing it, to breathe life into your story and its inhabitants and sit back and enjoy the ride?
I must confess that I have no idea of how my novels will end, and that’s why I love writing. I wait for the ending to surprise me, then hope that my readers react in the same way. My first ending for MUTINY was OK but – as one of my Beta Readers pointed out – there was no real twist. I went back to editing the manuscript and ‘discovered’ an ending that was far better. And it got even better after meditating on it for a few days. Looking back on my writing journey for MUTINY, I spend countless hours on the opening chapter – feeling much like James Joyce struggling over every word – and an equal number of hours agonising over the finishing lines. The hours soon became days and the days years, until MUTINY was well-matured and ready to print. And, the funny thing is, James Joyce happens to make an appearance in MUTINY.