Like us novelists, readers want validation.
We want others to confirm our genius.
Readers just want you to confirm that the story is over.
The validation readers need comes at the end of your story. It’s the scene or scenes following the climax, after the main plot closes.
You must provide a clear signal that the story is over. For good or ill, the adventure is done.
In Star Wars its the awards ceremony, where Luke, Han, and Chewbacca receive medals from the rebel alliance in recognition of their heroism.
In thousand upon thousands of other movies, its the scene where the main couple kiss and everyone looks on, smiling at each other. Every side character gets a few seconds on screen, smiling, clapping, dabbing a tear. This signals that yes, everyone and everything is accounted for. Even the dog we saw once in Act II comes in and barks happily.
This is where any remaining open loops need closing.
If you feel like your book is over but you don’t feel like you’ve nailed the ending, this may help you sort it out.
But there’s another big moment you should acknowledge when you finish your first draft.
And that is your accomplishment of finishing it. Regardless of what you think of your story, celebrate the achievement of this important milestone.
For just a few hours or days, sit in the glow of having done it.
If I’ve convinced you of nothing else, I hope you’ve at least entertained the idea that writing doesn’t have to be like pulling teeth, or tedious drudgery. If we are to spend so many hours doing it, it’s only sensible to do it in an enthusiastic state.
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