Crafting Endings that Resonate
Leave them satisfied... but wanting more
The list of mistakes I made in publishing my books could fill an entire newsletter.
One that took me the longest to realize I even made was the ending of Black Magic’s Prey. It’s book 1 of a trilogy and naturally should have led readers into book 2. You like a book, you want more… right?
Apparently not always. You see, I hate cliffhangers. I think they’re annoying, especially when the next book in the series won’t be out for another couple years. Black Magic’s Prey ended on a happy note, maybe even a happily-ever-after. As originally written, there was no reason for the reader to continue in the series, even if they enjoyed the book.
Make them enjoy the book AND want more
A good ending should not only wrap up the plot and resolve the conflicts, but also evoke emotions, convey a message, and inspire further reflection. It should also make them want to continue to experience the world you’ve created for your characters.
How to do this? Like every other bit of writing advice, it’s real simpl…