Meaning: The quote "Anyway, the title The War of the Insect Gods came before we had that ending, before we knew they had become gods. That we knew the evolutionary cycle they went through. Before we even knew anything about that. We had an ending." by Michael O'Donoghue, a writer, provides insight into the creative process of developing a story and the evolution of its narrative elements. This quote sheds light on the organic and sometimes unpredictable nature of storytelling, where initial concepts or titles may precede the development of the plot and characters.

In this quote, the author reflects on the origin of the title "The War of the Insect Gods" and how it was conceived before the full exploration of the storyline. The phrase "before we had that ending, before we knew they had become gods" indicates that the title was conceptualized without a clear understanding of the characters' ultimate evolution into gods or the specific trajectory of their evolutionary cycle. This suggests that the initial inspiration for the title may have been rooted in a broader thematic or conceptual framework, rather than a detailed plot outline.

Furthermore, O'Donoghue's statement "Before we even knew anything about that. We had an ending" highlights the intriguing paradox of creating a narrative. It underscores the notion that sometimes, certain narrative elements such as titles, endings, or pivotal plot points may emerge before the writer fully comprehends the intricacies of the story's world, characters, or thematic underpinnings. This highlights the non-linear and iterative nature of the creative process, where elements may inspire and inform each other in unexpected ways.

The quote also offers a glimpse into the iterative and exploratory nature of storytelling, where the initial title or concept serves as a catalyst for the development of the narrative. It underscores the idea that the creative process involves a degree of discovery and evolution, with the story and its components gradually unveiling themselves to the writer as they delve deeper into the imaginative landscape they are constructing.

In essence, O'Donoghue's quote encapsulates the dynamic and fluid nature of storytelling, where titles, endings, and narrative elements may take on a life of their own, guiding the creative process in unforeseen directions. It also speaks to the importance of embracing the organic evolution of a story, allowing it to unfold and reveal its true essence over time.

This quote provides valuable insight into the creative process and the intricate interplay between different narrative elements in the development of a story. It serves as a testament to the unpredictable and dynamic nature of storytelling, highlighting the ways in which initial concepts and titles can shape and inspire the evolution of a narrative, even before the full scope of the story is realized by the writer.