Saturday, April 12, 2014

K is for a Knockout Ending

Writers often spend a lot of time rewriting the first three chapters of their novel. It contains the vital opening line, it is the words you send to publishers and agents.  But according to James Scott Bell in Plot and Structure, fiction readers want to see a 'knockout at the end.'

A great ending will leave readers feeling satisfied. 

While blog hopping I have seen many book bloggers ask the question, 'at what point do you give up reading a book with a weak storyline.' I've been surprised at how many readers plod on to the end because they need to know how the story ends. Most rants on review sites and Goodreads are about weak endings.

My advice? Maintain the tension in the story until the last possible. 

Follow Bell's advice for a knockout ending,

'As you near the end, it should look as if the opposition is the one who will win. He has everything going for him. The Lead is up against the ropes. Only when the Lead reaches deep within and makes her move will the knockout blow be thrown.'





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10 comments:

  1. Rachna ChhabriaApril 12, 2014 at 2:00 AM

    I remember Bell's advice about endings. I have read in many places that our stories should have knockout endings.

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  2. Jules April 12, 2014 at 2:38 AM

    I always find beginnings and endings difficult. I'm an in the middle kind of person! I always feel that I rush endings and I sense that a lot when I read other novels. I'm not sure if it's me or it's a writers curse! Good post!

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  3. Sarah FosterApril 12, 2014 at 5:18 AM

    I've always known how my book would end, but actually writing the ending was difficult, and it definitely still needs work. I do hope, though, that the ending breaks the reader's heart. Is that a knockout or just sadistic? :)

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  4. Sophie DuncanApril 12, 2014 at 6:45 AM

    I always feel cheated if the ending of a book I've invested my time in is weak, or too fast, or (mostly in this case) a complete shock with no foreshadowing. I also hate cliffhangers where there's been no payoff in the book, so I would agree with James Scott Bell. :)
    Sophie
    Sophie's Thoughts & Fumbles - A to Z Ghosts
    Fantasy Boys XXX - A to Z Drabblerotic

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  5. randi leeApril 12, 2014 at 7:11 AM

    Hi there! Excellent points. Endings are just so crucial to get right. New follower here--hopped over from MJ Joachim's blog :)

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  6. ilaksheeApril 12, 2014 at 9:23 AM

    Makes sense, Charlote. Isn't it the tension that keeps the reader going?

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  7. Elephant's ChildApril 12, 2014 at 11:33 AM

    I read the ending before I finish the book. Almost always. Including mysteries. I usually finish the book, but that ending has to be justified and the rest of the book has to build towards it. Unexpected twists are ok(ish) but they have to be congruent with the rest of the book.

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  8. UnknownApril 12, 2014 at 5:19 PM

    I am always pleased and amazed when a book or movie can surprise me with an ending. Those are the ones I love to recommend.

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  9. AditiApril 13, 2014 at 4:37 AM

    Makes sense...a knockout ending is essential for the reader to be satisfied and come back again to read your work!

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  10. UnknownApril 13, 2014 at 11:48 AM

    You are so right, a strong ending and no loose ends too, leave one satisfied as a reader. Great advice, now just to know how to do that. Enjoy my visits. Maria from Delight Directed Living

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