So you’ve gotten through the climax of your book. In some manner, the earth moved! Internally, externally, all threads led into one cataclysm and the crux of the matter blew smooth up. Whew! You’re done, right?
Not quite. Now we need one final scene of denouement and resolution. You know, when just as in every scene, the smoke dissipates and we’re left with a clear view of what the heck happened, and what do we do with the pieces remaining.
This is straightforward enough. Either our hero was successful—won the day, the girl, the prize, etc.—or he wasn’t (also known as a Tragedy, which can be for either, actually. For example, he won the day but died doing so, a la Gladiator, etc.). Or he was partly successfully, and will live to fight another day (plot for book 2, and how most trilogies go). Whichever result, he (and the reader) can now see exactly what was won, lost, and what the road ahead looks like. And if you’re successful as the author, both your hero and your readers are satisfied. At least for today.
I see three recurring issues with this crucial part, so let’s just talk about them.
1). This does not mean that every single thread was tied up neatly. In fact, doesn’t that drive you a bit nuts as a reader? When the ribbon so perfectly fits the box that no wiggle room exists anywhere (when I receive such gifts my first thought is always—God save me—this person needs more to do J). Everything is just a bit too neat and tidy.
While your main story question does, indeed, need resolution (one way or another), many of the subplots and themes can quite successfully still be left hanging. This gives the reader the chance to wonder about the characters long after finishing the book. Which, as the author, is one of your goals! You want your readers wondering about those folks—what happens to them and those they love. And not just if you plan a sequel, but in general, as a curious reader will wait for your next one with great anticipation.
2). I often see this section rushed. And, it just can’t be, or you’ll leave your reader puzzled, and not knowing why. Take the time to let all that dust settle, and your hero look out on his new and expanded world. As with everything, don’t tell your reader what she was supposed to learn here, but rather, evoke this from the perception of the hero. Leave your reader with a feeling. The more powerful, the better. An Epilogue works great here!
3). But by far what I see most is this section belabored. I’ve seen manuscripts where the climax occurred on page 300, and the book go on for another 50 pages. You just don’t get that much time or space 🙂
This is one scene. ONE. And that’s it. Rule of thumb: No more than 10 or so pages, and even that’s the end of the spectrum. The entire point of this is to tie the main theme together with the character’s perception of events. And that’s it.
It goes without saying that this is the last thing you leave with your reader, so make it count!
As an award-winning author and editor, since 1993, 50 + of my authors’ books have sold to Traditional publishers. Many have won awards, been made into films, been featured in Publishers Weekly, and become bestsellers. I also love English Labradors, red wine, and write literary fiction and co-authored nonfiction,
Great article, Susan and wonderful points made! Every story, relationship and event needs a final climax and resolution, but a short one, and I love Epilogues in books.
An example, to me, of an ending is a crowd watching a house burn. Once the flames are extinguished and the trucks leave there’s really not much else to see. The excitements over and the onlookers go back to what they were doing, then on to the next wave of drama.
Thanks for sharing,
Randy Mitchell
Great analogy, Randy. I have to laugh–in I JUST CAME HERE TO DANCE, we end with a literal explosive fire. And then, the smoke clears . . . I love Epilogues too!
And always love your thoughts on the articles. Thank You!
I was wondering, do you think it to be a bad idea if a writer, already planning a sequel to resolve all conflicts of the first book, ends a book with an ending filled with dread and despair, with just a small glimmer of hope? Ergo, the villain has won, the hero (seemingly) completely defeated? Do you think this would make the readers crave the resolving sequel, or just make them hate the writer and never want to pick up another of his books again? Thanks for sharing all your knowledge!
Hi Joshua,
This gets really tricky. While you can end on a gloom-and-doom note, something has to be there to give the reader hope. And more than just a glimmer. It’s a balance, really. While many series end with the hero not entirely successful, he needs to be somewhat victorious.
How small is your glimmer? 🙂
Susan
Sorry I took so long to answer back! I am writing a series of fantasy novels, and basically I had originally written the ending of the second book so that the villain had complete victory, conquering all and totally defeating the heroes. There was only going to be a slight hint that there was still a way to defeat the villain, but nothing would really be said at the end of that second book. Since reading your post here, I have done a lot of thinking and I felt that you made a very good point, so I’ve re-thought the ending and I was wondering what you might think: the villain has still won, but there will be several pages at the end that tell about how to come back and defeat him, also detailing the beginning of the journey toward this goal. Do you think that would be a more encouraging ending, moving toward a sequel?
Hi Joshua,
That would work great! When book one ends in defeat, we need some hope–the way to fight back. That way readers are chomping to see how our hero gets out of this in book two!
All Best,
Susan
Thanks! Sorry again for taking so long to thank you. Life’s been busy! I appreciate your input and value your influences on my writing. Thank you for your advice!
-Josh