Begin With the Ending in Mind

When I began writing in 2010, I looked for sites where I might find writing prompts and sites where I could submit my work without having to pay any type of entry fee.  One such site was Tiny Lights.  And during these past five years, I've contributed regularly to Tiny Lights and its editor, Susan Bono, graciously published many of my personal narratives.

But alas, all good things must come to an end.  I was fortunate to have a piece appear in Tiny Lights in January 2015--the month of its final publication.  Here's the piece--it seems appropriate with a new year upon me.  The piece is a light-hearted take on beginnings and endings.  Enjoy!

The End of Something by Sara Etgen-Baker

In a village called Aerendyl there once lived an inexperienced but talented elfin scribe named Lessien Nénharma. Now it happened one day that Lessien came upon an email message from an editor at one of the major scribal presses.

With bated breath, Lessien opened the email.

"Dearest Scribe: I've received your synopsis and the first two chapters of your novel. Although your scribings and story line show great promise, your characters are flat and lack humanity. Your subplots are intriguing but seem disconnected from the major plot. The narrative arc is weak, and your story has no clear ending. So, I can't accept your manuscript at this time. Sincerely, Amroth Súron, Senior Editor Drannor Press"

Lessien threw down her scribal quill and Skyped her instructor, Lady Telemmaitë.

"Lady Telemmaitë, whatever am I to do?" Lessien fought back the tears. "Tell me. Is this the end of my scribal career?"

"No, my fellow scribe. Rejection doesn't mark the end of your career. Rather, rejection heralds a new beginning."

"You speak in riddles, Lady Telemmaitë. I don't understand!"

"Tis quite simple, my accomplished apprentice. Toss out your old manuscript." Lady Telemmaitë leaned forward. "This time begin with the ending in mind."

"So I focus on how the plot ends, right?"

"No, scribe, no! Focus on your characters; for your characters, their motives, and their development drive their actions and set the plot in motion—not the other way around. Begin with where they will end up."

"I understand, Lady Telemmaitë, but I feel so overwhelmed and am afraid to begin again."

"Begin one chapter at a time. Its end will determine the next one's beginning." Lady Telemmaitë smiled. "Take heart.

Chapters begin and end, but fear thee not thine own endings, for they are but beginnings in disguise. Now grab thy quill and begin your next chapter!"

It's a New Year

Well, 2015 has arrived, and I feel as if I'm turning a major corner in my writing career.  Toward that end, I've put together my writing mission statement for this year.  I think this process will help me focus and direct my writing endeavors this year.  My intent is to live this mission this year and then evaluate it come December 2015.  I'm ready for a new writing adventure:

Sara Etgen-Baker

Writing Mission Statement (January 2015)

To share wisdom and insight of the hero and heroine within through writing memoirs, personal narratives, short stories, and novels. 

• I commit to writing a minimum of four days a week (from 3 pm to 7 pm).

• I commit to reading writing-related articles and books in order to improve my craft.

• I commit to writing a chapter in my novel (Dillehay Crossing) every six weeks.

• I commit to writing either one memoir, narrative, or short story every quarter and submitting to an appropriate contest

• I commit to regularly receiving feedback and criticism on my writing.
• I commit to developing a network of editors, fellow writers, and writing professional

• I commit to regularly sharing my writing pieces or writing journey on my blog. 

• I commit to recording my writing objectives and progress in my daily calendar.