I am really stuck...please help

[jfields]

Generally beginning is where the character encounters his problem/challenge/goal and faces the realization that he absolutely MUST overcome the problem/challenge or reach the goal. It's were we meet the character and his problem and find out it is IMPORTANT.

The middle is where he tries and tries but finds himself inadequate to the task of overcoming the problem/challenge or reaching the goal.

The end is where he changes his approach in some way (or changes himself) and is thus finally able to overcome the problem/challenge or reach the goal (or possible reach a more appropriate/satisfying goal than he began with because of the change in himself that occured through the struggle.

So the pattern is
begin
struggle
succeed

With a sufficiently strong NEED to meet the goal or overcome the problem, you'll automatically have a satisfying ending. SO to get the ending you need, look to the problem or goal...beef up the NEED to act...and we'll automatically have a satisfying ending when the main character finally wins.

[SJ]

Thanks Jan,
This advice should help me move forward.
Gonna give it another try...
SJ

[jfields]

I'm glad you found it helpful, SJ. Sometimes it's just hearing it from a slightly different perspective that helps the directions "get through the haze." I know it works that way for me sometimes.

[jfields]

It's Assignment 5 in the short "Writing for Children's Magazines" course which is the shorter introductory course. You're taking the long (10 lesson) introductory course, Krystin, so your Assignment 5 is different.