Journal logo

Writing Memorable Endings

Tips for Crafting a Satisfying and Memorable Conclusion

By Barbara KingPublished 10 months ago 4 min read
2

Arguably the most crucial part about your book isn't going to be the flashy cover, the catchy title, or even the tropes you used in your book - it's the ending that will make or break you.

Sure all those people picked up your book and started reading it, but if you have an ending that leaves a bad taste in their mouth, why would they trust you enough to pick up your next one or any other one after that?

Your ending needs to be satisfying and memorable to your reader, yes you can still break their heart, as long as you break it in a way they love.

Know your ending before you start writing

Settle down pantsers, I'm not taking away your fun here. I'm not saying to have a whole detailed outline of the end of your book, but having a general idea of how it ends, will help you plant the seeds throughout your novel on how you got there. Do two characters end up together? Does one of them die?

Knowing how your book ends (especially if you're writing a mystery or a who-done-it) will make for less editing you have to do down the road and make crucial details fit into your novel a little more seamlessly. 

Tie up loose ends

Sure you can leave your reader with some big questions if you're writing a sequel, but for the most part, your reader is going to want all the questions they have in their minds about your story answered by the time they get to that last page. Leaving loose ends or questions for the readers can leave them feeling frustrated and they'll take it out on you and your book.  

Avoid clichés

It wasn't all a dream and the last Twilight book already stole the whole it-was-just-a-vision thing plus sure love concurs all, but rarely does it stop a bullet. Plot twists and throw-it-at-a-wall and see if it sticks endings are not the same. That random character you mentioned in chapter two coming out of nowhere to save the day isn't going to work how you think it is. Keep the ending original to give your reader something new, no more Romeos and Juiletts here.  

Consider the emotional impact

You want your reader to feel something when they turn to that final page of your book. Whether you have them smiling from ear to ear or grabbing whatever is nearby to use in place of the tissues they didn't know they needed, you want your ending to give them some feeling to remember. They've been with these characters for their whole journey, your reader should feel something coming to the end of it. 

Provide closure

No, you don't have to wrap the story into a neat little bow, but the plot of your story should come to its close in this novel. Katness saved her sister in The Hunger Games and survived -  though her story doesn't end there.

In every story your character wants something and something is stopping them from getting it. Whatever this is should be resolved by the end of your story even if you've opened up the world for more problems and more books.

Consider leaving some questions unanswered

I know this seems like a bit of a contradiction, but your readers don't need to know everything at the end. Take the example of The Great Gatsby sure we know what happened to Gatsby, but what of everyone else? The reader is given a quick glimpse of where they all scatter off to, but it doesn't answer what happens in the long term. Sure Nick goes home, but what happens after he was disillusioned about the world? The story had a definitive ending, but there are still some questions the reader can have about what comes next. 

Avoid Deus Ex Machine

Avoid this at all costs!  

The simplest explanation of this phrase is - don't put a gun in your character's hand if there wasn't a gun, to begin with.  

Don't end the book with the main character shooting a magic spell to kill the bad guy in the last chapter if there was never any mention of having magic in the rest of the book. This is where knowing your ending before you write it comes into play most. If you're ending is sudden without any real reason behind it your reader is going to feel cheated, angry, and unsatisfied. 

---

The ending of your book will be easier for you to write than the beginning and you'll find it easier the more you practice so keep reading, writing, and repeating for as long as you still have a story to tell. 

Best of luck.

With love, 

B.K.xo

*If you've liked what you read you can show your support by subscribing, pledging your support, or leaving me a tip that directly supports and aids me as a writer.

By joining Vocal+ you can earn more per read on every story you publish on Vocal.

Click my link to start your 7-day free trial today and start earning more for your stories.

_____________________________________________

This story was originally posted on Medium.

If you would like to experience Medium yourself, consider supporting me and thousands of other writers by signing up for a membership. It only costs $5 per month, it supports us writers, greatly, and you have the chance to make money with your own writing as well. By signing up with this link, you'll support me directly with a portion of your fee, it won't cost you more. If you do so, thank you a million times!

If you love what you've read you can also show your support by buying me a cup of coffee to fuel my writing. 

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/barbaraking

literatureindustryhumorhow tofeaturebusinessadvice
2

About the Creator

Barbara King

Barbara King is a full-time writing coach and novelist. King is a recent college graduate from Southern New Hampshire University where she earned her BA in Creative Writing.

Reader insights

Outstanding

Excellent work. Looking forward to reading more!

Top insights

  1. Easy to read and follow

    Well-structured & engaging content

  2. Expert insights and opinions

    Arguments were carefully researched and presented

  3. On-point and relevant

    Writing reflected the title & theme

  1. Compelling and original writing

    Creative use of language & vocab

  2. Eye opening

    Niche topic & fresh perspectives

Add your insights

Comments (1)

Sign in to comment
  • 𝐑𝐌 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐜𝐤𝐭𝐨𝐧10 months ago

    Thanks for the tips. (My trouble is, the resolutions I initially intend don't always fit the story as it develops. lol) I really appreciate all of your suggestions! Thank you, Barbara!

Find us on social media

Miscellaneous links

  • Explore
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Support

© 2024 Creatd, Inc. All Rights Reserved.