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Have you ever been disappointed or even felt betrayed by a book’s unsatisfactory ending? How can it be that a story that had so much potential, manage to fall flat at the final hurtle?
The end of a narrative isn’t merely the finish line—it’s the aftertaste; the part that lingers long after the last page. So how do we, as writers, ensure our endings don’t leave readers confounded and frustrated? Let’s delve into unforgettable finales: the art of crafting satisfying endings.
Endings play a pivotal role in storytelling, be it novels, short stories, or screenplays. They serve as that final note, the closing argument; the last impression readers are left with. The ending of your story can be that crucial factor that elevates your manuscript from being a waste of a reader’s time, to their reaction of, ‘I have to tell everyone I know about this book!’. In the inverse though, a disappointing ending can be a letdown, with no hope of a reader’s return engagement. There’s nothing worse than a reader scorned.
The type of ending you choose for your story should align with its genre and arc, providing a satisfying conclusion that fulfills reader expectations. For example, resolved endings are common in mystery and romance genres, tying up loose ends and providing clarity. In contrast, open endings leave some questions unanswered which allows readers to interpret the story’s meaning, a technique often used in literary fiction. Twist endings surprise readers with an unexpected turn of events, but these do require careful setup throughout the narrative to feel believable. In my ‘Death by’ series, I opt for cliffhanger endings that capture my reader’s suspense and hold it, encouraging them to continue to the next book.
It’s never too late to revisit your manuscript outside of its publication. Strengthening your ending can be an iterative process, and you might find the following steps useful to ensure your story ends on a powerful note.
To craft a satisfying ending, it’s important to start by brainstorming potential scenarios that could bring your story to a close. Consider what would be the most meaningful and impactful way to wrap up your plot lines and character arcs. Think about how your characters would react to different outcomes and what consequences those outcomes might have. Also, consider how each scenario would tie into the overall theme of your story.
Be sure to avoid common pitfalls when brainstorming. Rushing through the conclusion can leave readers feeling shortchanged, while predictability can be boring. On the other hand, too many plot twists can confuse readers. A forced happy ending can feel insincere. Maintain consistency in your character’s behavior, your story’s tone, and overall theme.
Once you have a few potential ending scenarios in mind, map out their progression. Think about how each scene would play out, what dialogue and actions would be involved, and how the tension and conflict would build up to a satisfying resolution. Consider how your characters would change and grow throughout the story, and how their personalities and motivations would influence the ending.
After you’ve mapped out your potential endings, it’s time to start drafting. Choose the scenario that feels the most compelling and true to your story, and start writing. Don’t worry too much about getting it perfect on the first try - just focus on word-vomiting the basics and getting them down.
Once you’ve finished your first draft, take a break – a week or two- before reviewing it. Go tidy the flower beds, start an art project, make jam – do anything other than think of your manuscript. This will give you some distance and perspective, which will make it easier to identify areas that need improvement. When you’re ready, review your draft and make any necessary revisions. Consider whether the ending feels satisfying and meaningful, whether the characters have grown and changed in a believable way, and whether the resolution feels earned.
Finally, share your revised ending with others and ask for feedback. Listen to their thoughts and suggestions, and use them to make further revisions. With a little patience and persistence, you can craft a satisfying ending that will leave your readers feeling fulfilled and connected to your story.
In conclusion, ending your story well is crucial for creating a satisfying and memorable experience for your readers. By avoiding common pitfalls and maintaining consistency in character behavior, tone, and theme, you can create a satisfying ending that will leave your readers feeling fulfilled and connected to your story. Remember, the ending is the last thing your readers will remember, so make sure it’s a strong one. You can craft an ending that will leave your readers with a lasting impression, and wanting to read more of your work.
~Dani
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