ever read a book thats a dead end? you know – one that had a real crummy ending. it makes you sooo mad you wasted your time and you wanna stomp on that book. for sure youre gonna think twice before reading stuff by that author ever again.
we talk lots about the start of a book – that hook stuff that gets the reader wanting to read more. but we dont talk so much about endings and for sure theyre way important too. it doesnt have to be “happily ever after” but for sure you gotta give the reader something that could make him feel satisfied.
its sorta like eating a meal. the appetizers just enough so you still wanna eat more. the main course is what keeps you eating (if the food tastes yummy). the desserts a satisfying ending (if you don’t eat too much and get sick. ha ha). you could eat a real good meal but if the dessert doesnt taste good youre not gonna be happy and for sure youre not getting that dessert again.
heres some common types of endings (reference)
1. Explicit - answers all the questions and wraps up everything. lots of times tells what happens to the main characters. leaves the reader satisfied.
2. Implicit - based on interpretation. mostly used in short fiction.
3.Twist - unexpected or twisted. everything the reader believes gets thrown out at the end, and is replaced by a new revelation. 2. Implicit - based on interpretation. mostly used in short fiction.
4. Tie-back ending – ties the end of the story back to clues planted in the beginning.
5. Unresolved - main conflicts are left unanswered. The reader is left to ponder the outcome. Cliffhanger endings fall in this category.
6. Long view ending –tells what happens to the characters a significant timeframe into the future.
heres some good tips for ending a your novel
1. dont write the end til you feel the time is right and that could be anytime
2. wrap things up and answer all the plot questions.
3. dont kill off your mc unless you got a really really good reason
4. get in, finish and get out. keep things simple and clear
5. start early and move towards the end slowly
6. epilogs are ok. remember theyre not the end, they just come at the end.
7. avoid endings that make the reader wonder what happened.
8. dont come at the reader too fast and catch him off guard
9. don’t force it - make sure the ending fits the story and the characters
10. write endings that fit your genre
theres bunches more good tips for doing good endings. how bout you? how do you avoid dead ends? what could you add to this list?
...hugs from lenny