Drive-by thoughts on endings
>> Saturday, June 5, 2010
I've been reading several novels* by Hilari Bell recently, along with a bunch of other books, and I've been thinking a lot about endings in general. (What works, what doesn't, what an ending needs to accomplish, etc.)
Ms. Bell’s endings are so perfect. I can see how they would not appeal to everyone—they are short, to the point, and give you just enough wrap-up and resolution to satisfy and properly end the story, and that’s it. No long epilogues or wrap-up chapters where we see the aftermath (it’s all implied, and I like that better) and people gab and sit around discussing what happened.
Nah. It’s snap, bang, we’re done. But in a GOOD way—not too abrupt, and there is most definitely a conclusion, with a lot of what will need to be done left implied and open.
I get cranky when a story goes on and on and there is too much wrap-up and “ending credits” stuff. (When the story is done, please STOP WRITING.) I don’t actually want every last detail wrapped up and tied in a neat bow. Major threads, yes. Character arcs should finish. It should be a solid, satisfactory, sufficient ending.
If the conflict is resolved, threads wrapped up, character arcs finished (for this story), then I want the book to end. I don’t want to slog through 30 or 50 or more pages of aftermath and wrap-up and characters fiddling around with things, etc.
Endings are tricky beasts—flub it and it reflects on the whole book. Too long and it makes Merc a cranky reader. Too short and abrupt and I wonder what the hell you’re thinking, author, and why are there not a few more pages at the end.
But get is just right and there is that warm, happy glow, and a satisfied reader is likely to go read and buy more books (I am, anyway). It’s like an addiction. You give me a good ending that works just right (and I can forgive a lot if you nail the ending) and I’ll go look for more.
What about you? What makes an ending “perfect” for you? What does an ending need to pull off/include to make you happy?
____
*Novels include:
Goblin Wood
Songs of Power
The Wizard's Test
The Prophecy
I have a lovely stack of Bell novels on my TBR pile! *is a fan*
EDIT: I found an excellent article Hilari Bell wrote about novel endings (climaxes) as well.
10 comments:
At the end of my book, I have the final battle, then 1 chapter afterward (directly after) that's under 2000 words and then a final chapter that is 2100 words. I hope it's not too much aftermath, but I can hardly see a way around it without leaving what I would consider plot holes.
Good post though. Obviously I don't have 50 pages of aftermath, but I do worry having 2 chapters after the final battle is a bit much.
Thanks for commenting, Becca. :)
Two chapters (that are relatively short) doesn't sound like that much, especially if you need that time to resolve things.
I think length of the ending should also match the book--so if you have a build up and then an epic battle, then a little longer to resolve the threads afterward makes sense.
Thanks for your feedback. You're one of the writers whose opinion I respect, so I appreciate you taking the time.
I'd say the last 2 chapters are 1) why it happened, which sets up book two, and 2)tying up lose ends--yes, the world that existed before the final battle still exists, but the MC sees it different now. and where as at the beginning of the book she sought change things (which got into this mess in the first place) at the end she is now more at a place of acceptance. the "this is what is, and so it is" mindset, which now that I've started book two I realize she needed that mindset for book two.
anyway--me ramble ramble, but good post. i do like books that end where they end. the end is not the middle.
So far, my big deal on endings is that I tend to rush through them. Working on that.
Reminds me of some advice I read in /I think/ Holly Lisle's How To Think Sideways course - The beginning of the story sells this book; the ending sells the next one.
T.D. -- yup, know what you mean. I continually have trouble balancing endings and not rushing them or stopping too soon.
Inky -- I completely agree (I think Bell said something similar in one of her writing tips articles). A solid ending definitely makes me more inclined to read more books.
Dittos on the quit when it's done. If the story's done right, you don't have to explain everything, it's evident and obvious.
My creative writing instructor said the ending should be totally unexpected and yet, when you read it, you know this is how it had to happen; I think that combination makes for the perfect ending.
I agree with you, Wulfie--if only that was easier to do. S-|
I get cranky when a story goes on and on and there is too much wrap-up and “ending credits” stuff. (When the story is done, please STOP WRITING.) I don’t actually want every last detail wrapped up and tied in a neat bow.
A-MEN. I can think of more than a few stories that went on for CHAPTERS after the climax. So annoying!
I don't see you much at CC anymore--what kind of trouble have you been up to lately? :)
Angela @ The Bookshelf Muse
Thanks for the comment, Angela! :)
I've been working a lot more on my writing, but I need to remember my blog more. O:)
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