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 oar 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.
Copyright 2001, Children's Book Insider, LLC
About the author:
Laura Backes is the publisher of Children's Book Insider, the
Newsletter for Children's Writers. 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 Write4Kids.
