--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: I usually start with an ending, then…" description: "\"I usually start with an ending, then outline high points of things that happen, and kind of make up the rest as I go along. Occasionally, the character..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/8ae/julie-kagawa-241_along_i-usually-start-with-an-ending-then-outl_1435415.jpg" --- # I usually start with an ending, then outline high points… ![“I usually start with an ending, then outline high points of things that happen, and kind of make up the rest as I go along. Occasionally, the characters surprise me, and I wonder how we got here. Other times, the characters are stubborn and won't do something I want them to in the story.” quote by Julie Kagawa](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/8ae/julie-kagawa-241_along_i-usually-start-with-an-ending-then-outl_1435415.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/8ae/julie-kagawa-241_along_i-usually-start-with-an-ending-then-outl_1435415.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/8ae/julie-kagawa-241_along_i-usually-start-with-an-ending-then-outl_1435415.jpg) > “I usually start with an ending, then outline high points of things that happen, and kind of make up the rest as I go along. Occasionally, the characters surprise me, and I wonder how we got here. Other times, the characters are stubborn and won't do something I want them to in the story.” [Julie Kagawa](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/julie-kagawa/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Starting with an ending guides structure, but characters can surprise and resist authorial control. **In simple terms:** Plan ending, but characters may act independently. Key Takeaway Embrace flexibility and character agency. Themes creativity writing character development Mood inspirational practical Type creative instructional When to use this quote - novel drafting - screenwriting - story workshops - creative retreats Key Concepts narrative structure authorial intent character autonomy Questions to Reflect On - How can writers balance planning with improvisation? - What techniques help manage unexpected character choices? A Different Perspective Rigid planning can stifle spontaneity. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Characters](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/characters/) [Story](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/story/) [Surprise](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/surprise/) [Wonder](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/wonder/) [Writer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/writer/) ## Related quotes > [“Why does the world have to start ending when I finally found something worth fighting for?”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rebecca-zanetti/why-does-the-world-have-to-start-ending-when-i-finally-found/) [Rebecca Zanetti](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rebecca-zanetti/) > [At times e start can be the ending point so if yo looking 4wad 2e end always mark the start...](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/at-times-e-start-can-be-the-ending-point-so-if-yo-looking-4wad-2e-end/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Everyone is right from his side, the first step for one may be the last step for another, the start for one may be…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/senoraroy/everyone-is-right-from-his-side-the-first-step-for-one-may-be-the/) Senoraroy > [I love doing characters that surprise people and showing what I am, which is an actor, first and foremost.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michael-ball/i-love-doing-characters-that-surprise-people-and-showing-what-i-am/) [Michael Ball](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-ball/) > [I love it when characters surprise you, just like real people. 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