5 Ways To Finish Your Novel
Creating A Kick-Butt Conclusion!
We made it.
We wrote an entire novel together.
(Almost.)
Now, as we sit down in a candlelit corner with our mugs of root beer/coffee/tea/whatever, let's discuss how to actually end your novel.
I know, it sounds so FINAL doesn't it?! Your story, your baby, your creation - you don't want it to end.
Or maybe you've been looking forward to this since you started writing.
(Or you're like me and it's a little bit of both.)
The point is, your novel needs an ending as unique and impactful as everything else you've worked so hard on. So to start, here are some of the most recognizable types of endings - and how you can make them work for your story!
#1: Abrupt
I want to be careful how I use the word 'abrupt' - it's very subjective. But there's a difference between abrupt and rushed, and it's your job to know it. In vague terms, a good abrupt ending will leave the reader satisfied, but with enough questions to want to read the next book (if you're writing a series, that is). It should feel solid and grounded, but not indisputable. Let your reader's imagination take charge as to what the MC's life looks like after your narrative ends.
In more practical terms, an abrupt ending often leaves the MC right after the climax, at the height of their victory. We have all of the adrenaline still going, but little - if any - time for the dust to settle. Just make sure you don't take it too far and end the story before the MC's journey is complete.
#2: Open-Ended
Different from abrupt endings, an open end can take as many or as few chapters as you need it to, and answer or raise as many questions as you want. Again, let your reader's imagination do the rest. There's something beautiful about a story that ends one way, but is left open for as many interpretations as there are readers.
You can apply an open ending pretty much anywhere in the timeline after the climax and victory. You usually want to let the action fall a little, and you definitely want to tie up any loose ends that you don't plan to use in a possible sequel. Otherwise, your reader will get the impression that you decided to just. . . Stop writing. Which isn't the case.
Or it shouldn't be, anyway.
#3: Epilogue
Epilogues are. . . Complicated. Almost as complicated as prologues, and easily as subjective. (For my thoughts on prologues, check out this post.) A typical epilogue will jump forward in time, after the Final Confrontation - sometimes years ahead, sometimes just a few days - to lay out exactly what the MC's life looks like after all their adventures. Once you publish a book with an epilogue like this, your hands are pretty much tied if you suddenly get an idea for a sequel.
Sometimes I use epilogues. Sometimes I don't. The ones I do write, usually only deal with a small portion of the future to keep things open for sequels. I admit I have a little more fun with these than maybe I should - my favorite epilogue is one that I wrote onto the end of a seemingly complete happy ending to create a cliffhanger instead.
So in short, if and how you want to use an epilogue is completely up to you.
And speaking of cliffhangers. . .
#4: Cliffhanger
Ohh, where do I start? I have a love-hate relationship with cliffhangers, as I'm sure a lot of you do. But, done well, a cliffhanger is the surest way to encourage your reader to buy your next book as soon as it comes out. They need answers!
As with an open ending, a cliffhanger requires unanswered questions while tying off the loose ends you don't plan to revisit later. However, cliffhangers usually involve more tension and less closure on the part of the MC.
You can do this in two basic ways: By ending the book right in the middle of the climax, when we're not sure who's going to win (this works best in a series, since the MC's arc is not complete), OR you can give your MC victory, let the action fall, and allow them a taste of what their new life will be like before yanking the rug out from under them with another inciting incident (my personal favorite).
If you're grinning impishly and rubbing your hands together as you reread your freshly written cliffhanger, you're on the right track.
#5: Series Endings
These can be tricky, especially if you're a panster. How can you possibly know what you might want to bring up in a sequel, and what should be laid to rest? Do you even want to write a sequel? Should it be a standalone instead?
There's no single answer for this, but my method is to do what I'm good at: trust my gut. If I feel like I can, and want to, do more with a subplot or thread, I leave it open. If I'm satisfied with where it's at, I tie it off.
Now, whether you're a pantser or a plotter, you can use this for any book you intend to turn into a series: Keep the MC's arc going. Even if they've overcome their current fear, they're still not perfect. They're still learning. This will be fuel for every possible sequel you can imagine.
A trick for this is to think of the first book as a broader version of the first part of the three-act story structure, which we've been (loosely) following for this blog series. This works really well for trilogies, but it's easily as useful when beginning a longer series.
If you're not sure where to st- er, finish your series-book ending, cliffhangers and open endings are excellent base layers.
If you're finishing a series with a large cast, who each have their own happy (or not so happy) ending to get through, be aware: Your reader will quickly get bored if there is no internal conflict left. This goes for any ending, but especially long ones. So, if you need ideas, The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King is an excellent example of a well-written ending with multiple characters.
#6: BONUS! How I Actually End My Stories
I've used all of these endings at some point. And there are probably a few more that I missed, so if you don't see your favorite above, please mention it in the comments with a reason why you love it!
Honestly, I don't have a default ending that I fall back on. I feel like having the precise ending in mind puts too much restraint on where the story needs to go. If I have an excellent idea for a final sentence or scene, I definitely use it - but only if it feels right.
I go by 'feel' a lot. People ask me 'how long is your book going to be?' and I tell them 'I have no idea!' - because I don't. It'll be as long as it needs to be. The story ends when there's no more story to tell.
The same goes for writing the final chapters; it ends how it needs to end, based on who the characters are, where they've come from, and where they're going.
So yeah, I don't have a be-all ending that I just adore.
Final Thoughts
The ending should serve the characters. Don't worry about making it fresh or different; if your characters are at the center, it's already unique.
Whether the ending is happy, tragic, or a cliffhanger, keep in mind: Where does the MC go from here? Not just literally, but emotionally? What does their life look like after their transformation?
As you finish up the final scene, think about what you want to leave your reader with when they close the book. Think about how you want them to feel. Empowered? Thoughtful? Adventurous?
OHHH my gosh. This was such a long post, but we made it! And you know what?
You've written a novel.
CONGRATULATIONS!
Whether this is a first draft or a third (or seventh), or you're in the middle of rewriting, know this: You already have everything you need to create a beautiful, powerful story. This blog series is merely a stepping stone on your way there.
I hope you've picked up some helpful ideas, and maybe found a new way to look at some things! While I loosely follow the three-act story structure, there are always exceptions in my own writing - which means you don't have to accept my way of writing as THE way to write, nor should you. Find what works for you and run with it.
Make sure you share this series with a friend, and if you're here because you are that friend, be sure to subscribe so you're notified as soon as a new post drops! Next week will be a life update, with some exciting new things I can't wait to share with you!
Best of luck to you on your writing journey, mate!
- Lydia
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