What do you think is a strong ending to a story? Is it when everything is resolved and explained? When everything just ends ubruptly? Or when the conflict is resolved but the characters still have purpose and are left with things to do? Or is it something totally different? I ask this for two reasons. First, I am getting to the end of my first story I have written in years. Second, I have read a ton of books lately that had unsatifying endings. Either everything is all roses and sunshine and there is no troubles left or the other extreme where the major conflict is resolved and then the words: THE END! I just wanted to get some opinions.
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Montana
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Re: strong endings (cross post)
Wed, April 25, 2007 - 8:42 AMAs in Shakespeare-....and they all died and lived happily ever after.
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Re: strong endings (cross post)
Thu, April 26, 2007 - 7:35 PMWell, of course it should feel good for the reader. I personally like some element of surprise, something that is revealed by the action, a payoff, if you will. For me it's most satisfying when the payoff is something that adds to you, a new point of view, a deeper understanding of some aspect of life, or just a good howling laugh (or cry).
The a good story supports the ending all the way through. I had a creative writing professor in college who insisted on "starting with a good ending."
