Crafting Impactful Endings Without Feeling Forced or Cheesy: A Guide for Writers

One of the most critical aspects of writing a compelling novel is creating an impactful ending that satisfies readers. It can be challenging, especially when you want to avoid making the ending feel forced or cheesy. But with the right strategies, you can craft a satisfying conclusion that leaves readers with a sense of fulfillment. Let's explore some tips to help you achieve this.

Starting With a Hook

Begin by looking at the beginning of your story, where you introduced a risk or a problem that your main character hadn't yet solved or resolved. This is the hook, the element that drives your protagonist forward. Think of your novel as a journey, with the ending being the destination. Just as a journey should be memorable, your concluding chapters should be filled with satisfying conclusions that tie up loose ends.

Engage the Reader Through Character Development

Now, consider the character development throughout your novel. Do all your major characters have thwarted goals or tensions? These should be integral to the subplots and woven throughout your story. Even lesser minor characters should feel real, adding depth and realism to the narrative. Avoid introducing characters just for the sake of it—if a character doesn't serve a purpose, then they should be omitted.

Building Tension Throughout the Story

Keep your readers engaged by gradually increasing the tension throughout the novel. Instead of resolving all issues too early, introduce new ones as old ones are resolved. This keeps the story dynamic and ensures that readers remain invested until the very end. The main plot should reach a resolution, but the story doesn't have to be a "happily ever after." Leave room for unresolved elements, or introduce new problems that the reader knows won't be addressed in this novel.

Timing and Revelation

When it comes to the ending, consider the timing of revelations and the passage of time. Decide whether enough time has passed between events for the main characters and others to come to their conclusions. Realistically, we often don't fully understand or see the resolution to events until well after they’ve occurred. Depending on the genre, a quick resolution might not be the most suitable, and you may need to add scenes or information to reveal the passage of time.

Be Aware of Convenient Characters

Another important factor is the presence of convenient characters—those who might be to blame for certain events but aren't fully fleshed out, leaving the reader feeling cheated. Adopt the mantra "No Convenient Characters." Treat every character, no matter how minor, as important to the story. Is there a way they can contribute to the plot? If not, they might be better left out. Combine characters where possible to streamline your narrative and ensure all characters have a clear purpose.

By following these strategies, you can create a compelling and satisfying ending that doesn't feel forced or cheesy. Remember, the key is to focus on character development, maintain a steady increase in tension, and ensure the timing of revelations aligns with the natural flow of the story. Happy writing!