The Journey or the Arriving?

by Isabella Hynde
20th March 2012

Anthony Scott Glenn answered Victoria Limbert's question, 'The Passage of Time' with this, 'Sometimes it is the journey that is the most important part'. (I've taken it out of context)

Is the Journey the most important part of your writing endeavours or is the Arriving? The Arriving will be different things to different people. It might be getting published for some. It might be the satisfaction of hearing people make positive comments about your work. For others still it might the act of creation that is the important part. I would like to know what you find the most important part of writing.

Replies

I agree with Victoria. I'd love to read your book!

I have two endings for my first book.

1. The main character dies.

2. The main character survives.

I must admit. I like it better if she dies. I feel it has more impact. It's a lot more depressing but that is what happens in real life. People die. My sister told me she felt really depressed for days afterwards because the main character died. I had to write an alternative ending. I'm still going for death - it's more likely in her situation.

It's a tough decision. Sometimes the ending can't always be happy! Back to Romeo & Juliet - except that I know Victoria thinks that's a happy ending. :p

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Isabella
Hynde
330 points
Developing your craft
Isabella Hynde
24/03/2012

Jeeez Anthony, now i NEED to read your book! I want to know why he had to die and how he dies :/

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Victoria
Limbert
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Crime, Mystery, Thriller
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Victoria Limbert
23/03/2012

Lily, I agree with you about the killing of a character, especially one you like!

I had to I am afraid, in order to allow my main character to develop. I knew from the beginning that he wouldn't reach the final chapters but when I came to write his death I realised how attached I had got to my characters.

I wrote it in though, I had to. It does not mean that I can't write about him later though.

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Anthony Scott
Glenn
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Anthony Scott Glenn
23/03/2012