Act Three - The Ending
This is the final sequence of the story where everything is tied up and the reader gets resolution. This is also called the denouement from the old French meaning to unknot. I love that description because it's what should happen at end of a story.
If you have been following these blog posts, you will know that the climax has occurred and now the reader needs to know what happens after the big scene. How does the author leave our main character? If it's a romance, what happens after the two become lovers and resolve their conflicts?
I used to read John Grisham. His books thrilled me all the way to through the climax. At that point, I always felt cheated. It was as if the author wanted to wrap up the story - as if he suddenly became bored and wanted to move on to the next book. After honing the story to perfection, it's disappointing to the reader if the ending loses all momentum. Yes, the reader wants resolution but not at the expense of the story. Have you ever read a book only to be left unsatisfied when you finish the last page? How about when the author wants you to read the next book to find out what happens?
Even if you are reading a series, there must be resolution of the premise. It's also important to see that the character has grown - that the flaw has been overcome or, at the least, the character is closer to moving beyond it. After spending your precious time with characters you deserve to know what happens.
Pay attention to your next book as you read the final chapter and note if the ending was handled appropriately and left you feeling satisfied.
Happy Trails,
Leslie
Visit my website
If you have been following these blog posts, you will know that the climax has occurred and now the reader needs to know what happens after the big scene. How does the author leave our main character? If it's a romance, what happens after the two become lovers and resolve their conflicts?
I used to read John Grisham. His books thrilled me all the way to through the climax. At that point, I always felt cheated. It was as if the author wanted to wrap up the story - as if he suddenly became bored and wanted to move on to the next book. After honing the story to perfection, it's disappointing to the reader if the ending loses all momentum. Yes, the reader wants resolution but not at the expense of the story. Have you ever read a book only to be left unsatisfied when you finish the last page? How about when the author wants you to read the next book to find out what happens?
Even if you are reading a series, there must be resolution of the premise. It's also important to see that the character has grown - that the flaw has been overcome or, at the least, the character is closer to moving beyond it. After spending your precious time with characters you deserve to know what happens.
Pay attention to your next book as you read the final chapter and note if the ending was handled appropriately and left you feeling satisfied.
Happy Trails,
Leslie
Visit my website
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