In a post on the Pub Rants blog, Angie Hodapp shares seven tips for strong story endings. “A memorable ending is like the dessert at the end of a fine meal,” she says. “It’s the impression that readers carry with them into their world long after they finish reading your book. It’s proof you’re a master not just of prose and scene work, but of storytelling.”
However, landing the ending is difficult. Hodapp shares seven tips for making it a bit easier:
- Slow down. Put as much time into your ending as you do the rest of your novel. “Don’t rush it. Pretty much every full manuscript I’ve ever read over the years gets exponentially sloppier in the last 10-20 percent,” Hodapp says. “Resist that urge.
- Consider alternatives. Brainstorm at least three different ways to end your story. Explore these possibilities and identify which create the emotion you want readers to take away from your novel.
- Retrace all your threads. Reread your manuscript and identify the questions you raised in your readers’ minds. Did you answer all of them? Your ending should tie up any loose ends.
- Be judicious with cliffhangers. If you’re writing a series, be sure to tie up all the relevant story threads in this novel to create a satisfying reading experience. “Leave one, strong, compelling story question unanswered to entice readers to pick up the next book in your series,” Hodapp suggests.
- Apprentice yourself. Hodapp suggests reading ten recent books or watching ten recent movies that would appeal to the same audience as yours. Before you reach the end, stop and write down what you think is going to happen. Don’t think about it too much, but do put it in writing. “Forcing yourself to put your thoughts into actual written words is where real learning happens,” Hodapp says. “Then read/watch the ending. Which ending was better: yours or the writer’s? Why?”
- Rewrite history. Pick three of your favorite books or movies and rewrite the ending. “If your preferred ending would require changes in the beginning and middle, what would those changes be?” Hodapp asks. “What did your endings do that the original endings did not?”
- Take a break. If you’re struggling to conclude your novel, take a break. “Sometimes coming back to a story with the fresh eyes that only time can give you is just the thing,” Hodapp writes.
