Endings

Endings are so important.  I never want my readers to be disappointed at the end of my novel.  I create characters and put them through hell so that they can have a happy ever after that will satisfy my readers.

Ending a book can be difficult.  You never want to throw something in at the end that wasn’t hinted to or introduced somewhere else in the book.  That would leave your readers feeling cheated.

Don’t let your characters do something that isn’t in their personality, or something they would never do, just to wrap it all up.  Your readers have invested time with these characters.  Don’t cheat them by allowing your character to do something contrary to their nature simply for plot.

Wrap things up.  In real life, everything is not neatly wrapped up.  But in novels, they are.  Don’t leave unfinished business unless your novel is part of a trilogy or a series.

Endings are important.  Don’t skimp on this part.  Take your time and do it right.  Let your reader turn off the ereader, sigh and say ‘that was a great book’.  

My favorite television series, Supernatural, has a perfect quote for endings.  Chuck the Prophet says, “Endings are hard. Any chapped-ass monkey with a keyboard can poop out a beginning, but endings are impossible. You try to tie up every loose end, but you never can. The fans are always gonna bitch. There’s always gonna be holes. And since it’s the ending, it’s all supposed to add up to something. I’m telling you, they’re a raging pain in the ass.” 

Make your pain in the ass shine!