Writing Endings
Today I’m going to be talkin’ about story endings. There are some simple guidelines with sometimes overwhelming edits to follow them. But in the end, your story will be tighter, your story more believable and your readers will be satisfied.
Number One rule: Let your characters take control of your story. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by what happens to the plot. Sometimes authors/aspiring writers come up with great ideas for a book, along with a great ending and then wonder why the plot driven story is flat. Well… fiction writing is much like living; you have no idea what’s going to happen so the story needs to be character motivated. And, most times you’ll have to rewrite the ending idea, anyway. After all, how can you know how a situation is going to turn out, if you haven’t worked through it yet? Your characters are the same.
There are some major problems with having a set idea for a great ending when you first begin your story.
The ending will seem too contrived and disappoint the reader, and you, because it wasn’t done naturally or logically. How do you avoid this? Foreshadowing with sub-plots and secondary characters. This will make the ending, when it comes, believable. Also, try and trick the reader. Lead them to expect a different ending. I love the surprises when it happens!
With a predetermined ending, your characters won’t have the freedom to be spontaneous, either. Nor, go in the direction they desire. This can result in writer’s block because your characters will be stuck living in the world you want for them, not their own free choosing.
Also, most times, authors/aspiring writers will rush toward that ending they’re so excited about, and forget the all important sub-plots that make a story believable and enjoyable.
Now, if your ending idea is too good/too shocking to forget about, give it away as soon as possible. Ever been shocked in the middle or toward the end of a story? Isn’t it the best? In my opinion, the Obligator Scene is the best place to give the surprise away. It’ll provide some answers, (don’t give all of them away) it’ll keep your reader reading and satisfy your need to write the scene. Plus, your characters will be free to end their story on their terms.
Advantages to not knowing your ending:
You’ll keep your audience reading because you’ll have the chance to start other story lines. Sub-plots and secondary characters can really keep a book from stalling. And your readers won’t have to wait for that fabulous ending that they might not get to because of boredom.
With the blank page, pun intended, your characters will be able to move and live all sorts of different possibilities. Nothing will tie them down. They’ll find a new ending, a better ending, a more exciting ending. Your characters will push your creative mind and make you better at your craft. Don’t hold back on any of your good ideas. Write them as they come and don’t save them for the ‘next book’. This work in progress is what’s important. And if you try to jip your characters on their ending, they will let you know!
Hope this was helpful! I love dissecting creative writing and learning new ways to achieve my craft.
Thank you for having me, Silke. Have a Sparkling Holiday!
Rebecca Rose
Don’t forget to stop by Lyrical Press for our Christmas bash where my novel, Divine Redemption is 30% off!
Blurb for Divine Redemption
Sometimes redemption is the only salvation needed to forgive yourself.
In his first selfless act, Donald Write takes a bullet for Daniel Allen. Now he's changed his name and moved across the country to live with Daniel’s family, whose welcoming home reception wasn't very warm.
Jacqueline is Daniel’s daughter. This soft spoken, well dressed lady soon teaches Donald that looks can be deceiving and her heart can be his if he’s willing to open up and except her gift of love.
Donald hadn't counted on the intense and immediate attraction to Jacqueline. She’s the boss’s daughter and off limits; that is until he finds himself with an irresistible primal need to be with her. She shows him love in a way he's never felt before and gives him the strength to become the better man he's always wanted to be. But how can Donald touch and care for someone so pure of heart when their future can be destroyed by his past? A future built on redemption and second chances.
Content warning: M/F romance, action, and explicit sex.
Excerpt:
“Hey, Donald, I need that expense report. Where are you?”
“Under the desk.” Since Donald started working for the Allens, he’d learned a valuable lesson in patience. Not touching Jacqueline was the hardest thing he’d ever done.
“You know, Donald, there’s talk that you’re the most eligible bachelor in town.”
Donald craned his head to look at her. “That’s my chair you’re sitting in.”
“Yes, but I like the view of your behind.”
He wiggled it for her and she laughed.
“Donald, what are you looking for?”
“I dropped my paperclips.”
His dry response had another giggle coming from her.
“You’re too cute.”
“I’m not trying to be cute. This job really sucks sometimes, you know.”
“But you’re so good at it.” She rubbed her foot along his bottom, then attempted to go between his legs but Donald closed them.
“We talked about this, Jacqueline.” He turned and placed a hand on each of her knees.
“I’m only flirting with you.”
“You’re sexually harassing me, and I believe there’s a strict policy about that.”
“Donald,” she said, bringing her face close to his.
“Ya.” His eyes went to her lips and back to her eyes.
“I need that expense report.”
There is an element of irony in this post.
A good follow up post would be, Who gets the royalty check, you or the character?
Great thoughts! I do get to a point near the end where I have to stop and think, what happened to my ending or where are you going next, MC?! I think an author just has to be flexible enough to change. It doesn't always mean NOT plotting to the end. IMO.
Very true, Bethanne! Plotting is a fantastic tool. It give direction and motivation. I just find too many authors not flexible enough with themselves to trust their characters with the ending. Then the author, and story, get stuck.
LOL And the only person who gets the royalty checks is the bank.