Make the Ending Satisfying

Hello Fellow Readers and Writers–

What makes a book or story stay in your mind and in your heart?  A satisfying ending. 

Sometimes you write a rough draft and hurry the ending too much.  I have a tendency to do this.  Then I think about it for a while, and come up with a much better finish for the story.  The way I see it, the protagonist has to help herself out of the Crisis situation.  Sorry, folks, there are no knights on white horses, riding up to rescue the damsel in distress anymore.  (At least I haven’t seen any.)  No, our gal has to fend for herself in the end.  She has to toughen up, take the bull by the horns, and other assorted cliches.

In my new book, Smothered in Yarn, I originally had Megan’s husband, the Sheriff, come banging through the door to rescue her.  When I read the rough draft, I realized that Megan has to be PRO-ACTIVE–help herself out of the situation, so I rewrote the ending, sitting in the waiting room at a doctor’s office.  (For you writers out there–ALWAYS have a small notebook with you, for those moments of inspiration, discovery, and to jot down bits of odd conversation you overhear.)

So, that’s where I am now.  Editing and adding to the new book.  I feel as if I’m “icing the cake.”  I’ve heard other writers describe the editing process as “putting skin on the skeleton” of their stories.  However you say it, the process should be a fun one.  Write on!  And remember your readers out there.  You want to put the best book forward, each and every time you write one.  Leave them with a memory they can’t get out of their minds–a satisfying ending.

Happy Reading and Writing to you all,

                             Jill-Ayn

 

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