Avoiding The End

This week, we’re talking about novel endings. Here’s typically how I get there:

Write first chapter

Check out the Spanish Cover for
UNDER THE NEVER SKY!
Isn't it great?

Write Act One

Start Act Two, hit a wall

Stall

Fiddle with Chapter One

Fiddle with the rest of the first act

Force self to finish Act Two

Sail into Act Three

Stall toward the End

Revise first chapter

Stare at the muddle in the middle

Contemplate unwritten final chapters

Stall

Stall

Stall

Stall some more

Force self to write ending

What’s with all the procrastination of the ending (POTE)? Why is it so, SO difficult to take those last steps, after all the steps beforehand?

For me, it’s fear of completing the work and having to assess:

• Did I accomplish what I set out to do?
• Is this story ultimately satisfying?

Because, folks, that’s what it’s all about, right? We want to close the last page and say, ahhh….  don't we?

One of the best pieces of advice I ever received about endings, was to juxtapose your first and last chapters. When you compare the two side-by-side, your goal is to see clear growth and a direct relationship between questions raised and questions answered.

If your protagonist is wishy-washy about something in Chapter One, make them believe it, own it, reject it—it doesn’t matter what, as long as their stance has become firm--by Chapter Forty Five.

If they’re seeking knowledge, then they darn well better have it by the end.

If they’re seeking acceptance, or are in need of humility in your opening chapters, then get them there. 

Endings allow us to show growth and growth is what makes a novel ending satisfying. 

Now go forth, and End Wisely!