How to write effective Endings

How to write effective Endings -

Photo credit: Flickr Ollivander

throughout the drafting of several manuscripts, my methods, skills and tools have changed quite radically. But there is one thing that remained constant in my first writing process, regardless of gender, number of words, the method or experience :. The ending still intimidates me

When I was playing around with pantsing, the reason for this intimidation was pretty obvious: I am writing a book and I do not know how it would end. It terrified me to think that I will finally achieve what I knew had to be concluded, and I sit and wonder how I could conclude this book.

plan, however, did not solve my end anxiety. Of course, it helped that I really knew what would happen (it helped a lot, actually), but the thought of it terrified me always. And if that is not enough epic? What if I end too early (a common problem of mine)? What if there are too many questions at the end? What if my players are disappointed? What if what if what if?

I am the master of anguish fine book.

Fortunately, after writing several pretty terrible endings (and a couple of good, I hope), and reading plenty of endings that have completely blown me away, I learned some important elements needed in every good end.

• address the main problem / antagonist. the first time I wrote this ball, I said "solve the main problem," but that's not quite true. You see, your character does not have to win every time, but you must resolve the issue one way or the other. If your character fights the antagonist and saves the world, great, you can check this ball. but maybe your character does not win, at least not fully, and the antagonist is injured, but walks away. it is acceptable, too the key is that the main problem is addressed in some way, usually with a great victory, or a significant loss from your protagonist. at the end of the day, your protagonist should have tried his darndest to solve the main problem was having the plot of your novel, and they win or lose is up to you.


• tie the loose ends and provide closure. It is important to note that even if you write the first book in a series, you should always tie up loose ends. Of course, you can always leave questions in large open series and hint at the possibilities of plots and future problems. But the main plot itself, the great problem must be addressed and your readers should not be left still wondering about several subplots or questions at the end of the book. For a series, the endings are in equilibrium: leaving enough questions that the reader will move to the next book, but still enough to meet it alone and create a comprehensive arc.
  
  As for autonomous novels or the latest book in a series, all loose ends must be tied and represented. You readers should have a sense of closure and all the subplots and the mystery of questions should be answered.


• Fill character arcs. This is something I have often struggled with because character arcs, at least for me, often occur organically. Unless your protagonist is a static character, he or she will probably be changed by what they experience throughout your book and your purpose should reflect this change, whether to maturity, a new perspective or worldview , etc.


• Bonus :. echo beginning This is not a requirement, but some of my favorite endings echo images or lines from the beginning of the book. It really gives the book a full circle feel and contributes to closing. I go into the detail of this wonderful effect in my final sentences great post so I will not re-enter, but if you can manage it, I really recommend it.

What advice do you have to write effective endings?

Twitter sized bites:

Having problems with the end of your WIP? Here are some tips for writing effective endings. (Click for tweeter)

Did writing "the end" intimidate you? Writer @Ava_Jae sharing some tips for effective endings. (Click for tweeter)