Comments on: Flash fiction: building an arch http://www.sfnovelists.com/2009/02/16/flash-fiction-building-an-arch/ A mutual support group for SF/F Novelists Thu, 09 Feb 2012 21:39:12 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 By: Tim Schoch http://www.sfnovelists.com/2009/02/16/flash-fiction-building-an-arch/#comment-6806 Tim Schoch Sun, 09 Aug 2009 13:41:30 +0000 http://www.sfnovelists.com/2009/02/16/flash-fiction-building-an-arch/#comment-6806 The keystone isn't near the end of an arch. It is at the apex, the necessary part that allows the arch to be an arch. Therefore, using your metaphor, the climax or turning point of the story is the most important. It is where your premise arrives and charts its surprising or enlightening course toward an uncertain ending. Story endings have minds of their own, but you're right in that you must have one in your mind before beginning. However, it's amazing how the ingredients of a good story will find their own ending. The keystone isn’t near the end of an arch. It is at the apex, the necessary part that allows the arch to be an arch.

Therefore, using your metaphor, the climax or turning point of the story is the most important. It is where your premise arrives and charts its surprising or enlightening course toward an uncertain ending.

Story endings have minds of their own, but you’re right in that you must have one in your mind before beginning. However, it’s amazing how the ingredients of a good story will find their own ending.

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