Episode 189 - Start as close to the end as possible. episode artwork

EPISODE · Oct 31, 2025 · 25 MIN

Episode 189 - Start as close to the end as possible.

from Essential Guide to Writing a Novel · host James Thayer

Kurt Vonnegut said we should "Start as close to the end as possible."  What did he mean?  How can we do so?  Here are thoughts on this famous piece of advice from a legendary novelist.  Also, avoiding the word "not" to give our sentences more energy.  And Orson Scott Card on creativity.Support the showBuy the master class.

Kurt Vonnegut said we should "Start as close to the end as possible." What did he mean? How can we do so? Here are thoughts on this famous piece of advice from a legendary novelist. Also, avoiding the word "not" to give our sentences more energy. And Orson Scott Card on creativity. Support the show Buy the master class.

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Episode 189 - Start as close to the end as possible.

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Kurt Vonnegut said we should "Start as close to the end as possible."  What did he mean?  How can we do so?  Here are thoughts on this famous piece of advice from a legendary novelist.  Also, avoiding the word "not" to give our sentences more...

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