Comments on: Reward Your Readers with a Battle that Earns the Ending

By: Tony

Tony — Fri, 02 Feb 2024 15:10:58 +0000

Sadly, I don’t know very much. I always think I’ll come up with it as I draft the story, but it never seems to happen easily. I have a few more tools in my writing toolkit now, so I’m hoping to have a little more success. Much of it has to do with ‘not killing my darlings’ and hoping the story will never end.

By: Lisa Norman

Lisa Norman — Sat, 21 Oct 2023 00:29:36 +0000

I'm working on book 2 of a trilogy right now, and am at that stage of deciding where will this one end so that it is satisfying, but still leaves that sense of "this is bad" that will lead into the third book. Endings are HARD! Thanks for this post!

By: Lynette M Burrows

Lynette M Burrows — Fri, 20 Oct 2023 21:01:41 +0000

In reply to Joan Hill. You're welcome, Joan. Thanks for taking the time to comment.

By: Joan Hill

Joan Hill — Fri, 20 Oct 2023 15:40:47 +0000

This is a fantastic breakdown for a meaningful ending. So very useful! Thank you for putting it all together so clearly.

By: Lynette M Burrows

Lynette M Burrows — Thu, 19 Oct 2023 16:03:34 +0000

In reply to J. H. Tabbott. Thank you, J.H. Sounds like you joined a particularly good critique group. And yes, you absolutely can have a blend of those types of endings. Keep on writing and learning!

By: Lynette M Burrows

Lynette M Burrows — Thu, 19 Oct 2023 16:00:30 +0000

In reply to Jenny Hansen. You are welcome, Jenny. Gentle hugs.

By: J. H. Tabbott

J. H. Tabbott — Thu, 19 Oct 2023 12:25:23 +0000

Very thoughtful, clear, and helpful article. Kudos!

I started my first novel blindly, just to examine a scenario. And for much of the first part, the set-up, I had no actual ending in sight, but began to recognize an unplanned theme I’d subconsciously embraced. This informed the rest of my story and its conclusion.

Nevertheless, being a rank novice, once I found a good critique group I began learning the finer points of the craft. So, I began a major rewrite, enriching characterizations and providing a clearer, more nuanced trajectory toward the climax and resolution.

The only thing I’d add to your advice is that it’s possible to have a mixture of those endings. That depends, of course, upon the complexity of one’s plot and sub-plots.

Personally, I love twists and try to include several throughout my stories. Still, one can draw a complete resolution on one plot point, while leaving tantalizing twists, open ends, and even ambiguities on others.

By: Jenny Hansen

Jenny Hansen — Thu, 19 Oct 2023 07:36:13 +0000

I needed this today, Lynette. Many many thanks!

By: Jenny Hansen

Jenny Hansen — Thu, 19 Oct 2023 07:35:33 +0000

In reply to Barb DeLong. Excellent news, Barb! Go get that ending!!

By: Lynette M Burrows

Lynette M Burrows — Thu, 19 Oct 2023 03:15:24 +0000

In reply to Denise. *smile* It's good to know your genre, your readers, and your ending. Thanks for reading, Denise.