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Mei 5, 2026Hiroko Yoda and Eight Million Ways to Happiness: Rediscovering Gratitude Through Japanese Spirituality
Mei 5, 2026
The Ending Writes Itself: V.E. Schwab and Cat Clarke’s Secret Collaboration Revealed
Text | Larissa Lumandan
Photo | HIMO
“Publishing can’t keep secrets.” - VE Schwab
In an era where authorship and mystery blur as intriguingly as the plots within its pages, The Ending Writes Itself has become one of the most talked-about books even before its official release in April this year. Long shrouded in secrecy under the pen name Evelyn Clarke, the novel’s true creators were revealed in September last year in a much-anticipated interview with Stylist: bestselling author V. E. Schwab and acclaimed young adult writer Cat Clarke.
The pair’s decision to conceal their identities was both playful and strategic. “I liked that someone thought it might be Cher. That was fun,” Schwab told Stylist, capturing the whimsical speculation that surrounded the project. For months, readers and industry insiders alike debated who might be behind the highly anticipated thriller, with guesses ranging from established literary names to unexpected social media theories. When the truth emerged, it felt both surprising and fitting: two seasoned authors joining forces under a shared creative identity.
A Game of Writers, Power, and Pressure
The novel blends the structure of a classic locked-room mystery with a modern, satirical edge. Set on a remote Scottish island, it follows six writers invited to complete the final manuscript of legendary author Arthur Fletch within 72 hours. Only one will succeed and claim both the prize and prestige. As anticipation around the book builds, so too does interest in the layered intrigue surrounding its creation.
Reflecting on the challenges of maintaining secrecy, Schwab shared candidly in the interview: “I think we’re not nearly as bothered as the publishers are about the secret… I am such a transparent person on the internet and not being able to talk about something that I’m working on… like, we got Stephen King shouting it up over the weekend and I was like, f— this secret.” Her remark highlights the tension between creative openness and the demands of controlled promotion—a dynamic that has, in many ways, become part of the book’s narrative.
From Its Beginnings to What’s Next
The project’s origins are equally personal. Schwab explained that the idea was inspired by the concept of an author confined to a space with strict rules, unable to leave until the work was completed. “I was just really taken with that… the pressure of the mission,” she said, noting how the premise mirrors the intensity of real creative processes.
Meanwhile, Cat Clarke’s involvement stemmed from friendship and mutual trust. “I came back because V promised it would be fun,” she shared. Schwab added, with a touch of humour: “If it’s something that my character said, I’ll remember it forever… If it’s something that I’ve said or done, Cat has learnt that I will never recall it.”
Beyond its clever concept and layered marketing, the novel resonates as a meditation on creativity, rivalry, and storytelling itself. It captures the ambitions and anxieties of writers while offering readers a mystery that is both self-aware and compelling.
When asked about the future of Evelyn Clarke, the pair paused before responding. “I mean, yes; we’re not done,” Schwab said. They added: “Evelyn Clarke will be back. She has more scores to settle.” Ultimately, The Ending Writes Itself delivers exactly what it promises: a gripping, twist-filled narrative that keeps readers guessing until the final page. For fans of whodunnits and stories about writers, it is a compelling addition to any reading list.
The Ending Writes Itself
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