In It’s all in how you begin, my post from July 2nd, I wrote about beginnings. I said while the cover design or back cover blurb might draw me to a book, I will read the first paragraphs before I make a purchase. Entice me and I’m happy to open my wallet to read more.
A good opening can be followed up by a backstory and plotline that progresses the novel. There can be high points, low points, intrigue, irony, bittersweet moments, or perhaps just good old gut-wrenching twists. By the end of the novel, the author has the audience satisfied they’ve made a good investment of time and money.
It doesn’t always happen that way, but it should.
How can a novice writer accomplish this intended purpose?
First, know when to stop writing.
After a good opening, a back story and crisis are revealed. Actions and decisions lead the reader through the labyrinth and shape the outcome. Conclusion. Check. Done.
But no. There isn’t a large enough page count or there are more characters to be introduced or the writer wants to add yet another twist.
Compare this situation to a round of golf. A great shot from tee is followed by a good mid game and the ball is on the green in three strokes. Twelve putts later, the ball goes in the hole. Admirers have long since lost interest and the only people left are those determined to see just how bad it can get.
This type of run-on book has been penned by seasoned authors. I’ve read a few. In my humble opinion, please know when it’s time to back away from the keyboard. If the work turns out to be a novella, novelette, or short story, it’s okay. Just let it end when it should.
Second, the conclusion should be necessary and make sense.
This is where a general outline might come in handy. In my July 17th post, When one door closes, break down a wall, I mentioned writing organically and from an outline.
The hazard with the first is that the manuscript can meander through endless side plots which might not be satisfied by the ending. Imagine interwoven rows of dominoes set to topple at the whim of the builder. After a flick of the finger, the falling dominoes race ahead, but half the dominoes are left standing because the pattern wasn’t thought out properly. Better luck next time.
The hazard with the second is that the manuscript might be stiff, boring, and just too regimented. And as an extension, the conclusion might be all too predictable and (yawn) all too expected. Imagine the same dominoes set in a straight line. A finger flick and off they go… Yep… They all fell down. Next.
Know where the plot twists, turns, and ends. Throw in a few tricks. Jump a few hurdles. And when all the dominoes fall, everybody is happy.
Finally…
Nobody likes dream sequence conclusions (who shot J.R. Ewing) so just don’t.
If there is a struggle between foes, even friendly foes, make it an even playing field, e.g. Captain America vs Iron Man. Nobody wants to see Bambi meets Godzilla (even though the Marv Newland short film was hilarious).
The reader isn’t stupid. There is no need to explain everything again…again…again…
Even though many people loved the show “Lost”, the conclusion left some cold; like me. Please, no convenient short cuts or ways out of a poorly considered ending. If the manuscript is trapped in a plot corner, maybe my July 17th post could help.
The conclusion should give the big bang and it can last for several chapters. Blow crap up. Let the characters learn something about themselves. Let raw emotion explode off the page. Let the love triangle disintegrate. Give the reader something to fear, cheer, cry, or laugh about. Do whatever it takes, just don’t disappoint.
My Click Here offering has the next two chapters of Assuming Room Temperature. To read the chapters in sequence, reference my June 4th post, Drunken Ping-Pong and the Sex That Didn’t Happen, and my July 2nd post, It’s All In How You Begin for their Click Here offerings. Again, it hasn't been edited and any suggestions would be welcomed.
8/9/16 I've compiled all three offerings into one with the click here button.
Thanks, and enjoy.