The process that I use to write a book varies for each one—interestingly, that process tends to vary depending on which genre I am writing in—but, there are certain similarities that I want to discuss. With each novel, I generally have a beginning and an end already in mind, and then I write the scenes that take place in the middle.
One thing that I've noticed is how the scenes that I write will shape the character, and is not only a reflection of what the end will be, but often ends up recreating the ending for itself.
The first draft of my first book, Kindled Love, had a vastly different ending than the final published version. Why? Because I let the characters shape themselves. The choices that the characters made throughout the book molded and shaped their character, which changed how they responded to trials and tribulations—literally recreating them to necessitate a new ending. (Of course, I still chuckle when I look back at the Anna who yelled and threw things at people...)
In much the same way, our lives have a beginning and an end—one that our choices can change.
First, let us consider our story's end.
Our sin nature has written the ending of our lives eternally separated from God in a place called Hell; however, the choice we make to reject or accept Christ can either solidify that ending, or necessitate a new ending, with us in Heaven with Christ.
After that, our lives and choices are still having an impact on our story; will it involve standing with head bowed before God in shame, with nothing but a handful of ashes to show for our lives—or will it be standing with head bowed to receive a crown of Glory, as Christ proclaims, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant..."
Those choices will both be available as your character responds to the trials and tribulations it faces in life, and you literally have the chance again to rewrite your ending.
Friend, I'm not certain where you are in your story, but just consider this: your choices will have an impact on the end of your story. Just ask yourself—what do you want that ending to be like?
"And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened..." (Revelation 20:12)
