The beginning of your novel is easy. The ideas flow out and you’re writing at least 3,000 words a day.
The middle of your novel starts to become arduous, but you still know where you’re going with your story. Maybe you’re down to about 1,000 words a day.
Now you’re at the finish line and it has become a nightmare because you have no idea how to artfully end your book. Sound like a situation you’ve faced before? If so, read on for a few different ways to conclude your novel or short story.
- Open-Ended – In this approach, readers determine what happened because the writer intentionally leaves the ending open to interpretation.
- Traditional – A clear-cut ending with no ambiguity. Readers know exactly what happened and why.
- Back To The Beginning – The writer revisits the same/similar image or situation as at the beginning of the story.
- Thoughts – A character, usually the protagonist, sinks into reflection.
- Dialogue – Characters have a conversation.
- Symbolism – Details that allude to something important are presented.
Which approach have you used in your novel/s or short stories? Why did you choose that approach?
