Crafting to 'The End'

I've noticed a common trend in the art of writing, whether it be short stories or scripts or novels.  The writer begins with a fascinating scenario or inspirational idea that obviously motivates them to explore and craft the story.  The beginning and middle seem to thread a well-developed plot and be full of meaningful, memorable scenes and dialogue.  But then there's the end. Writers don't know what to do with the end.  Or maybe the end is all they had envisioned, and then the reader experiences this precarious leap from the action to the 'how and when to end it.'

Was it quick and dirty?  Did it spin the story in a whole new direction?  Does it sound all too predictable?

Last night, I watched 'Meet the Millers' with Jason Sudakis and Jennifer Aniston and a host of other well-known actors. Although it's not the best movie I've ever seen, the characters were hilarious, the situations excruciatingly awkward, and through most of the story the action kept my interest.  Then, at last, the denouement.....and I'm completely disappointment.  I got up to brush my teeth and go to bed. Predictable.  The quirky dialogue had gone stale.   It seems common at this point in the story that I question the writer/artist and wonder if I have any desire to keep reading/watching.

Writers know the formula -- backstory, plot points, rising action, crisis, denouement, etc. But being able to fully develop all those parts and integrate them in a way that keeps the interest of those who are reading or watching is an art.

I am not excluding myself from this predicament.  I write and wonder, "Oh shit. What now?" At this very moment, I'm writing a short story where I've developed some initial scenery and characters.  I also know how it ends.  But the action along the way is hazy, undeveloped, and quite messy.  That shows my lack of experience with the craft, of course.  It will come eventually.  The ongoing mantra I give to students and repeat to myself as well:  Read more. Write more.

What separates good writers from great writers is the practice of staying with their story, living with it, breathing it all the way through to the last turn of phrase.  Major kudos to those who can do it.  It is art how someone can observe the world and describe it in a way that interests, intrigues, and motivates the reader to keep listening, keep hooked.  It seems pretty metaphorical for my life in this moment.  I know what my heart wants in the end, but how I get there is pretty messy.

I know. I know.  That's a cheesy ending to an otherwise well-crafted blog entry.  Ugh.