Ending Our Story

By Susan Reichert, Editor-in-Chief, Southern Writers Magazine

Believe it or not, some writers find it hard to end their stories. Either they haven’t figured out how they want it to end or they keep trying to come up with something the reader won’t see coming.

Ending most things are difficult in life, writing a story is no different.

But there must be closure even if you are writing a series.

First, it is a good plan to decide not just how to start your book, where it is going but also to determine how you want it to end. It’s not set it in concrete, it can change as the story plays out.

It’s like driving a car to me. I need to know where I am going, or I could go around in circles.

Second, don’t try to trick your reader. Trust me, they will not appreciate it.

Readers like beginnings, middles and ends.

Whether we are watching television, at the movies or reading a book, we do not want to be left hanging at the end. We want to enjoy the book and/or movie and feel the writer has given us an excellent time of entertainment and feel satisfied when it is finished.

We like to see our heroes in the center of the ending. There is great satisfaction in knowing he tied up the loose ends, he might be reeling, somewhat, but there is an assurance he will be okay.

An important thing to remember when writing, if the end moves you emotionally then your reader will be satisfied. You’ve done your job.