Come Up with the Right Ending

We’ve talked a lot about leads, but endings are important, too.

Have you ever watched a movie or TV show that started out strong but had a lousy ending?

Have you ever read a book that did that?

Think about it: the ending is the last thing that will linger in the ear and mind of the reader when he or she has finished the story.

You want to leave them with an ending that’s right for what you have written.

Let’s read a book together, and think about the following questions: What did you think about this book? What did you think about the ending? Were you surprised?

There are many ways to come up with the right ending…

You can have a big splashy ending.

You can have a funny ending.

You can have a sad ending.

You can have a surprise ending.

You can have a circular ending.

You can end with a joke, fact, or quote.

Whatever ending you choose should fit your story.

That’s the challenge I’m giving you today: try to write an ending that’s right for your piece.

Today’s Quiz: 1) Is the lead or the ending the most important part of your writing? Provide reasons for your answer.

Conference Questions: Have you ever thought about your ending? What ending would fit best with the story you’re working on?