Crafting the Perfect Ending: A Guide for Novel Writers

As a seasoned writer, one of the biggest challenges in crafting a compelling novel is knowing when the story is truly complete. This often revolves around the final scene, also known as the climax, and the denouement that follows. Let's explore how to identify when your story is done writing and the elements that make for a perfect ending.

Identifying the End

One of the essential questions when writing a novel is whether the story has concluded. Here are some tips to help you determine when your story is ready to wrap up:

Have you addressed all the loose ends? Ensure that all the subplots and sub-characters are properly resolved. This helps your readers feel satisfied with the conclusion. Does the main character change? A good novel fundamentally changes the protagonist in some way. If the protagonist has transformed by the end of the book, it's likely time to conclude your story. Is the inciting incident no longer a threat? Once the core conflict is resolved, the story arc is over. If there are no more stakes at risk, it's time to wrap things up.

Types of Endings

Novels can have various types of endings, each serving different purposes and providing unique satisfactions. Here are three different types of endings:

1. Messy or Open-Ended

Some stories have intentionally messy or open-ended endings. Such endings can create a sense of uncertainty, leaving readers with much to ponder. For instance, if your main character sees his love interest bleeding and the antagonist driving away, this can be a powerful and unresolved ending. It leaves room for sequels and further exploration, as seen in the example where the main character's son decides to embrace his cursed gifts.

2. Nicely Tied-Up

Other novels can end with all loose ends neatly tied up. This approach provides a sense of closure and satisfaction for the reader. My second book, for example, ended perfectly with the protagonist's son learning to use his cursed gifts. Such endings ensure that every plot line is resolved, leaving readers content.

3. Bittersweet or Tragic

Bittersweet endings leave a lasting impact by blending joy and sorrow. An example might be a character who is pregnant and abused, returning home after a tough journey. While it might not be the ideal ending, it still provides a poignant and memorable conclusion. Sequels can then provide further narrative to explore the aftermath.

Adding a Twist: The Sequel

While the main story concludes, sequels can provide a perfect segue for further exploration. In my first book, the conclusion was a straightforward, happy-ever-after ending, but the sequel offered a twist: one of the criminals died without being brought to justice. This bitter-sweet twist resonated with readers and provided a memorable ending.

Essential Elements for Any Good Novel

A good novel must have several key elements, the most critical of which is character development. Here are a few additional elements that contribute to a compelling novel:

Character Development: Ensure that your protagonist undergoes significant growth or change by the end of the story. This change can be crucial in making the ending impactful. Clear Inciting Incident: The inciting incident is the event that sets the story in motion. Once this threat is no longer a concern, the story arc is over. Denouement: This term refers to the conclusion of the story, often involving the resolution of any remaining subplots. It's the final tie-up that ensures your readers feel fully satisfied.

Reading for Inspiration

One of the best ways to improve your craft is to read extensively. By studying how published authors achieve their desired endings, you can gain valuable insights into storytelling techniques. Popular and published books often contain the advice and examples needed to improve your own writing.

Conclusion: Crafting a perfect ending is an art that requires careful planning and execution. Remember to address all loose ends, ensure character development, and consider the type of ending that best suits your story. By incorporating these elements and honing your craft, you can create novels that leave a lasting impact on your readers.