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I struggle with endings. Whether it’s a flash fiction or a novel, I have a hard time finding that perfect resolution that leaves the reader (and writer) with a satisfying feeling deep inside.
Coming up with zingy last lines or satisfying scenes seems less challenging: those are tiny morsels of yumminess, not the entire meal, which needs to be balanced and hearty and leave you content.
I don’t lack for a resolution to my plotlines, rather I have too many not-quite-perfect endings, like Prince Charming searching for the perfect fit to his glass slipper. Perhaps it is because a satisfying ending is so emotionally based. If there were a scientific formula that described the ingredients for a perfect ending, I would gladly use it. But a good ending is almost completely defined by how it makes you feel, and emotions are not amenable to formulaic reasoning. And so I try each one on for size, spending time with it to see how it resonates with me emotionally.
Very unscientific. If you have the magic formula, please let me know.
What makes a satisfying ending for you as a reader? Is it the same when you are the writer?
I stress over endings, too, the last lines that we leave a reader with. I think it's because I had a band teacher say, "If you're gonna screw up, screw up the middle. They'll remember the beginning, and they'll remember the ending. Better get THOSE right."
I like things being wrapped up to an extent… nothing existential or adrift. And I like Cynthia's point about middles… though I think endings aren't as important as beginnings to the publishing world (e.g., MT Anderson's FEED — great beginning, can't remember the end, but felt like he kind of ran out of steam).
Grasping for the Wind Blog had an interesting post a while back about book endings, with different people commenting on which books had their favorite endings. Many had agreed the I Am Legend has one of the best endings, and for this reason I've been meaning to read this book.
I personally like endings that tie up any lose threads, perhaps offering an interesting twist, as Brandon Sanderson often does. I know it's considered gauche by many, but I also prefer my endings to be happy because that leaves me feeling happy, which is a good thing for me and everyone that has to deal with me :). But most of all, the ending should make sense and not feel like the author was in a rush to just finish the story, as some endings seem to imply. Good luck with yours! I can't imagine it's at all easy coming up with a good ending.
@Cynthia You are right about the middles having, well, a little more wiggle room. And I've noticed that more since I've started reading with a critical eye.
@Bane Beginnings are important just to get your agent/editor to read MORE. But I wonder how many fulls get turned down because of a not perfect ending? Or is that where an agent or editor says "hey, I can fix that!"
@Simcha I do think people remember the endings – I know I do. A good one leaves you feeling content, a bad one leaves a bitter taste. That's a good point about the "rush" at the end, too – I've noticed that in flash fiction (which is a bit short on words to begin with)…all of a sudden, DONE! I think there needs to be some post-digestion time for the reader, especially for a novel.
I agree with "post-digestion time." Beginnings are where I usually struggle the most, but I have a short story that's been sitting for years because I'm not happy with the ending. I guess I struggle with different parts of different stories. Good luck with your ending.
@Myrna Thanks! I think I finally found it (for the flash I'm writing). Still working on the YA novel ending … Sometimes I think you have to let stories lie fallow for a while too. Then pick them up, and rewrite the heck out of them! 🙂
Middles are usually my nightmares but by the time I get to the end, it's so well plotted out, I just cruise through it. If anything, I find I rush through the endings sometimes too much. I don't take my time developing the scenes.
In other news, I have an award for you over at my blog. Have a great weekend!
@Jackee Middles are where I fine tune my plot too – except for those wacky endings!
And thanks for the award! 🙂
Summers are tough for us moms. We don't want to miss a moment of precious time with our kids, but the writing calls to us. That's why they invented summer camp! Just kidding. 🙂
@Lisa Oh, we SO use summer camp! But as a way to keep the kids from going completely stir crazy, not so much to give Mom a break. With three boys, it's good to break up the trio every once and a while, give everyone a break. Plus there's SPY CAMP! Who wouldn't want to do that? 🙂