- Image by koalazymonkey via Flickr
So, endings can be tough. You’ve told your tale, the conflict is solved, and well…
then what?
Then, you need to satisfy readers. You have to tie everything up in a neat little bow so that they’re not left hanging. That is, unless you’re writing a series. Then, cliffhangers are completely in order.
To write the ending, remember the outline we talked about for your middle? Now’s the time to pull that out and see where you’ve been. Decide what needs addressed and go from there.
If you still don’t know what to do, follow these instructions:
- Gather five novels
- Read each novel as a writer with an eye on the plot.
- Pick out the points where there’s a question.
- Notice how the author solves those points at the end of the story.
- Use these techniques to create a winning ending of your own.
I always put a 4 X 6 index card in my books when reading. If something comes to me, or I see something really interesting, I write it down. Helps to put the book title and author down and the page number, too. Then, you can always go back and review.
A solid, methodical approach to writing your ending never fails. Try it!
