This is so great, Allison - I love your differentiation between the "tidy" and the "payoff" - it's so nuanced but means everything. Definitely sharing this with my own clients!
Yes. I love that you want vibes. I really think that is what makes a great writer, someone who can create an entire vibe. This is something that's so close to my heart! You are so generous with your posts, well done!!
What I love about writing is that there are no rules. You decide. I love writing in my way. It's not perfect by any stretch of the imagination, but if it connects with an audience that is all I can ask for.
I love this comment so much that I answered it as a public Note. Here’s what I said:
Given that I’m an editor, you might be surprised that I’m a fan of the “no rules” vibe in writing. Of course, technical accuracy and the quality of my work matter. But that doesn't mean that you (the writer!) need a perfect understanding of every “rule.” Yes, that’s what I’m here for. But at THE END (see what I did there? 🙃), all that matters is that you wrote a story you’re passionate about and that you connect with your readers.
This is very helpful. I'm working on a fantasy series. I had what I thought was a brilliant ending to book one. The problem is that my word count was more than a bit much so I lopped the thing in half. Now the end of book one works... but needs work if you know what I mean. There's a resolution, but not for the larger plot. There's a bit of a cliff hanger as two of the characters run off. Phew. It's work.
Oh, I think that’s even more challenging than simply ending a “book one.” The threads can get all wonky when you have to split the original into two books, oof. It’s almost like your mind lives in the full version, but you have to write two separate journeys for the reader.
This is so good! I have a lot to think about and am sure I will come back to it once I’m editing my ending.
One follow-up question: how does an author make “surrender” work for an ending? Sometimes people have to learn NOT to try to fix every problem, but I’m curious your take on how to how that in a compelling way.
Surrender can be really nuanced. (And avoid passive voice!) Allow the character to have agency and try other options first. Don’t set them up for point-blank failure, if possible. Surrender can be a form of letting go (of a belief that has been outgrown) or pattern breaking (their own, generational, or something else).
It should also be closely tied to the false belief and growth arc. They’ve learned something over the course of the book, something that has changed who they are. Let them lean on that to support what appears to be a surrender but perhaps is a step into a new chapter or way of thinking/acting/behaving.
Hopefully that helps. Let me know if you need something different or deeper.
I write short essays about everyday things that go down in my marriage. I have no answers. No advice. No self help. No: 5 things to help you survive a neurodiverse marriage.
No ending. Just: this is what it feels like to live inside. I set it on the table for others to read, and walk away.
This guide is clear and really useful. I especially loved the emphasis on how the ending makes or breaks the book and how important it is for readers to feel that the story couldn’t have ended any other way. A great reminder that a strong ending is about leaving a lasting impact.
This is really good and helps. It came at a good time, I'm actually in the middle of rewriting the 17 chapter draft I put together for book 4 in my series. I read it from the beginning and didn't like the way it ended, even though at the time of concept if seemed the right way to end, but when reading through it in real time it fell flat. I think I found that the protagonists lost control of the ending, and shifted control it to the adults in the story. Anyway, thanks for some good hints.
I’m glad this was helpful. Taking some time away and then reading the draft all the way through, like you mentioned, is a great way to benefit from distance, allowing you to see things you couldn’t when you were writing. And that loss of agency/shifting of control is important! Readers will feel that. Thanks for reading.
Gah, fantastic. The best thing about being an author and working with an editor is that it teaches you to *listen.* Also, if you're mindful, how to politely defend your ideas and suss out the best way forward. Brilliant article my friend.
This is so great, Allison - I love your differentiation between the "tidy" and the "payoff" - it's so nuanced but means everything. Definitely sharing this with my own clients!
I love hearing feedback like this. Thank you, Tedd. I’m so glad this is something useful you can share. I appreciate you!
Great advice, good read, love this: 'Think of it as two concentric circles. The inner circle must close, and the outer circle should widen.'
Thanks, Bill! I’m glad that mental image works for you. Thanks for reading - I appreciate you!
Closure is almost always tough, isn't it?
Indeed, my friend.
I'm keeping this to study further. Thank you for this masterclass! Love, Virg
Oh, I’m so glad to hear that! You’re very welcome. 🤍
Yes. I love that you want vibes. I really think that is what makes a great writer, someone who can create an entire vibe. This is something that's so close to my heart! You are so generous with your posts, well done!!
100%. I’d rather see passion and fire than completely perfect prose with no heart. Thank you for reading. ☀️
What I love about writing is that there are no rules. You decide. I love writing in my way. It's not perfect by any stretch of the imagination, but if it connects with an audience that is all I can ask for.
I love this comment so much that I answered it as a public Note. Here’s what I said:
Given that I’m an editor, you might be surprised that I’m a fan of the “no rules” vibe in writing. Of course, technical accuracy and the quality of my work matter. But that doesn't mean that you (the writer!) need a perfect understanding of every “rule.” Yes, that’s what I’m here for. But at THE END (see what I did there? 🙃), all that matters is that you wrote a story you’re passionate about and that you connect with your readers.
Hi Allison. I greatly appreciate your comments.
Our authenticity is what is our secret sauce. I swear, say dumb stuff, am not always politically correct, but I am honest and try not to be hurtful.
Life is hard enough and we all need a laugh and to help support and inspire each other.
I'm not here to win an English comprehension test and I don't inspect other articles based on grammar.
For all writers, just tell your story in a way that reflects you. That is all you can ask of yourself.
This is very helpful. I'm working on a fantasy series. I had what I thought was a brilliant ending to book one. The problem is that my word count was more than a bit much so I lopped the thing in half. Now the end of book one works... but needs work if you know what I mean. There's a resolution, but not for the larger plot. There's a bit of a cliff hanger as two of the characters run off. Phew. It's work.
Oh, I think that’s even more challenging than simply ending a “book one.” The threads can get all wonky when you have to split the original into two books, oof. It’s almost like your mind lives in the full version, but you have to write two separate journeys for the reader.
Hopefully I’ve got that in hand…. Hopefully. But yeah, absolutely like doing and thinking two things at once.
This is so good! I have a lot to think about and am sure I will come back to it once I’m editing my ending.
One follow-up question: how does an author make “surrender” work for an ending? Sometimes people have to learn NOT to try to fix every problem, but I’m curious your take on how to how that in a compelling way.
I’m glad it will be a solid resource for you.
Surrender can be really nuanced. (And avoid passive voice!) Allow the character to have agency and try other options first. Don’t set them up for point-blank failure, if possible. Surrender can be a form of letting go (of a belief that has been outgrown) or pattern breaking (their own, generational, or something else).
It should also be closely tied to the false belief and growth arc. They’ve learned something over the course of the book, something that has changed who they are. Let them lean on that to support what appears to be a surrender but perhaps is a step into a new chapter or way of thinking/acting/behaving.
Hopefully that helps. Let me know if you need something different or deeper.
This is perfect. Thanks!!
I write short essays about everyday things that go down in my marriage. I have no answers. No advice. No self help. No: 5 things to help you survive a neurodiverse marriage.
No ending. Just: this is what it feels like to live inside. I set it on the table for others to read, and walk away.
Oh, that’s great. Short essays have so much freedom. What a great way to show up as your true self for your readers.
This guide is clear and really useful. I especially loved the emphasis on how the ending makes or breaks the book and how important it is for readers to feel that the story couldn’t have ended any other way. A great reminder that a strong ending is about leaving a lasting impact.
Oh, I’m so glad to hear that!
Yes, we want a lasting impact and that emotional journey that soars. Thanks for reading. 🤍
This is really good and helps. It came at a good time, I'm actually in the middle of rewriting the 17 chapter draft I put together for book 4 in my series. I read it from the beginning and didn't like the way it ended, even though at the time of concept if seemed the right way to end, but when reading through it in real time it fell flat. I think I found that the protagonists lost control of the ending, and shifted control it to the adults in the story. Anyway, thanks for some good hints.
I’m glad this was helpful. Taking some time away and then reading the draft all the way through, like you mentioned, is a great way to benefit from distance, allowing you to see things you couldn’t when you were writing. And that loss of agency/shifting of control is important! Readers will feel that. Thanks for reading.
Gah, fantastic. The best thing about being an author and working with an editor is that it teaches you to *listen.* Also, if you're mindful, how to politely defend your ideas and suss out the best way forward. Brilliant article my friend.
Exactly - it’s a two-way street, navigating some personal topics, feedback styles, and the balance between preferences and rules. Appreciate you!
Very fair point. Enter at your own risk…