Writing Strong Endings

"The End"
Originally uploaded by OddBall7

Just as the beginning of a story is important, so is the ending. Once you get the reader hooked on your story, then your ending should be the clincher in which the reader says: "Wow, this was a great book. I can't wait to read the next one!".

My writing teacher gave us the following tips on how to write strong endings.

1. Your ending must leave your readers satisfied - even if it is unhappy, unexpected, or inconclusive. Above all, your readers must feel the piece was worth their time and attention.

2. A good ending feels like an ending and has a sense of closure. Often this is produced by a change in locale, pacing, or level of tension.

3. Your ending must b appropriate for your piece. Avoid endings that aren't warranted by the events that precede it, or that are incompatible with a character's personality, motivations, or actions. If the reader can see you in the background orchestrating the conclusion, it needs more work.

4. You don't have to have a clear, snappy, or hard-hitting ending, and you don't have to make a point, teach a lesson, or cite a moral - though you may if you want to.

5. Let your characters' actions and situations reveal the significance of your ending. Don't explain what your story means or what your characters have learned ("Sherry knew, at last, that she could depend on her uncle"). Also avoid having your characters explain to eacher other what they have learned ("Todd, I've finally realized that I can truly depend on Uncle Arnie").

6. Pay special attention to your final sentence, image, and/or line of dialogue, because your readers certainly will.

What kind of ending have you used for your story?