Beginners Guide To Writing A Great Ending - Shannan E. Johnson

In this Film Courage video, Writer, Instructor, and Script Consultant Shannan E. Johnson, believes that knowing the ending before starting a story is not necessary, but having a plan is helpful, especially for new writers or those working on deadlines or projects for hire. Knowing the end goal allows for a clear direction and helps avoid discouragement.

Shannan E. Johnson, a native of Houston, TX, is a former creative executive at The Syfy Channel turned CEO of the first black-owned script consultancy in the entertainment industry, The Professional Pen. The Professional Pen is a writer-centered service provider helping emerging and established creatives develop their stories for the screen.

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[nikkinewbie]

There’s not one question about telling stories this woman cannot answer. She refuses to be stumped.

She’s authoritatively confident in her knowledge and gifted in explaining concepts. Her delivery of the information is enthusiastic and engaging.

She’s great and I think I have to say she’s my favorite resource here on Film Courage. My focus is on writing a novel, not a screenplay, but I’ve gained a ton of knowledge and insight into Story here and most enjoyably from Shannon.

Keep her videos coming please!!!

[kendricklmao]

now we just need ender’s guide to writing a great beginning

[Hayden_Lummus]

I completely agree. I never start writing a story if I don't have at least a general idea of where and how it's going to end.

[amberlihartwellacting]

So true - I cant start writing properly til I know the full arc - the end keeps changing and so far none of them are quite right- I'll know it when I find it, so there is a lot of that meandering around target aisles at the mo! Once I have the end then I will know what to edit out! Then it will pour - its like creating the banks of the river first to contain the water and then I can direct the flow. I love the creative process.

[Lark]

I like her immediately. And I very much agree with her. At this point, I know I'm going to finish every script I start, so I can work on one little corner of it, like a puzzle, or plot it out beat by beat. In the beginning it is absolutely critical to get in the habit of completing scripts, so knowing the ending is much more important because it's much more helpful.

[MtZionMediaPro]

ABSOLUTELY ADORE HER! She's extremely articulate, and has a lot of experience! 🙌🏾

[Dunamis_]

She made some great points.
Thanks for posting

[MetalGildarts]

Ms.Johnson spittin. I need an idea of where the story is gonna go, even if it's vague at first. Great insights.

[TheMightyPika]

Wise and very useful advice! Thank you!

[midwestmonster]

Great video. Very insightful.

She even makes me regret that I didn't outline my reply before posting.

[deellaboe]

black panther is the perfect example of what a good story is, from plot to arc, to subplots and resolution

[cap]

By the time I reached the end I had planned it became the midpoint and I am loving it.

[valisaperson]

This was amazing! I don't know what I'm doing but I know where I'm going.

[LeviathantheMighty]

Thank you!!
Because of this video, I finally figured out an ending to my story!!!

[ricklime]

Thank you Shannon and Film Courage. Halfway through your presentation an epiphany hit me so hard I started. A strong metaphor that ties my theme from old normal through to new normal just .. well .. hit me. Thanks for this fresh rush of inspiration.

[SugaOSharpy]

Really like listening to Shannan. Probably my favorite on the channel. Thanks for the insights.

[subramanianramamoorthy]

THINK THE END IN MIND
One of the seven habits of effective people by Mr. Steven Covy

[Leitis_Fella]

I think that even a "pantsed" novel has to have at least some form of outline, even if it doesn't go into excruciating detail, or exists only in your head.

[bcdside]

A lousy ending can ruin a movie. I just watched “Z for Zachariah” (2015) and I couldn’t believe how it ended (no spoilers!).

[reeanimationgaming]

The thing is. No all characters in movies HAVE to change.. They of course need a goal or an obstacle, but they don’t all need to change