Writing Powerful Endings
by Laura Backes, Publisher, Children's Book
Insider, the Newsletter for Children's Writers
The first few lines of any story are the most important—and
often most difficult—words you'll write. The next
most challenging piece of writing is the ending. Once you draw your readers
in and take them through your story, you need to leave them with a
satisfying conclusion. Here, then, are some tips for writing powerful
endings:
Fiction picture books: The story in a picture book
must come to a natural, logical conclusion. The action should end at a
definitive moment, with no plot points left hanging. The reader needs to be
satisfied with the way the story ends; the main character (with whom the
reader is identifying) must solve the conflict by the last page. The
conclusion cannot be implied or left open; readers shouldn't have to choose
between several possible outcomes.
Some authors try to sum up the message of the book in the
last paragraph. If your story is well-written, the reader will know what the
character learned without your having to blatantly spell it out. Once the
action is over and the conflict resolved, the story ends. Anything beyond
that point dilutes the impact of all that's gone before.
Chapters: Chapters must feel complete in
themselves. Some of the best authors limit their chapters to one scene or
event, starting a new chapter with the next scene. A powerful way to end a
chapter is at a climactic moment in the middle of a scene. This causes the
reader to want to turn the page and see what happens next. The most
effective chapters end in the same way they begin: with action or dialogue.
Novels: Novels, like picture books, must have a
complete ending. Your character faces a problem or conflict during the
course of the book, and once that problem is resolved the story ends
quickly. Many beginning authors add a final chapter that shows how life
returned to normal after the story took place; this is unnecessary
information that takes away from the impact of the story's resolution.
Any subplots must be tied up before or at the same moment
as the conclusion of the main story. The last chapter focuses on the main
character and the sects of his actions. Show how that character has grown or
changed in some way, but avoid preaching to your readers. This information
can generally be summed up very quickly and dramatically with a short final
chapter.
Articles: Think of the end of an article as a
conclusion, rather than simply summing up facts. The final paragraph draws
information from the body of the article and shows the reader why this topic
is significant to him. The ending must relate to the initial premise of the
piece, answering the questions posed at the beginning. The conclusion packs
the final punch of the article, showing the reader why this information is
important in the first place. Ending with an interesting quote or point can
entice readers to further explore the topic.
Nonfiction books: As with articles, the end of a
nonfiction book is the conclusion of all the information you have presented.
However, with books you have an entire chapter to make your point. Many
authors title their last chapter with a question, such as "Where Do We Go
From Here?" or "What Does the Future Hold for the Amazon?" The body of your
chapter will answer this question, drawing from the facts in the book and
posing possible solutions. If you relate the subject to the reader's own
life, he will continue to have an interest in the topic long after he
finishes your book.
Endings are important. They are the final contact you'll
have with your readers; your last chance to make an impression. Take time
with your endings and write them carefully. A satisfying conclusion will not
only make reading an enjoyable experience, but children will anxiously await
your next work.
For more information about writing children's books,
including free articles, market tips, insider secrets and much more, visit
Children's Book Insider's home on the Web at
http://write4kids.com
Copyright 2001, Children's Book Insider, LLC
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