Today was supposed to be the grand opening of my new online home, but some unforeseen events transpired and it looks like it’s going to be later in the week. I’m not giving out another date, you’ll just have to be surprised.
Are you disappointed? All the hype and then…nothing.
Let’s learn a lesson from this. When we’re writing, remember to follow through. As we lead readers towards the climax, we have to keep in mind that the end has to be equal to or greater than the threads we use to pull them along.
If you’re writing a romance, and the tension intensifies all through the book, let the ending be a bang! A satisfaction that leaves readers thinking about it for days.
If it’s a mystery, and you’re leading readers to an unknown murderer, make the twists and the revelation send their jaw to the floor.
If it’s suspense, don’t peter out at the end with an easy save for the hero. Make it hard for him or her to win.
Have I missed anything?
Chime in, Writers.
Readers: name a book you’ve read lately that gave you a satisfying end and why?
WHEN my website goes up, I promise I’m still giving away prizes. I may have several just because I’ve left you all in suspense for so long. 🙂
I've heard the beginning of a story sells that book and the ending sells the next one. As writers, our job is to create a satisfying conclusion to our stories, leaving our readers glad they spent time with our characters and eager for our next books. Since I write romance, I want my readers to rejoice as the couple finally gets together after having overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles. A contented sigh would be nice. =)
I'm looking forward to seeing your new site, Jesse–whenever it's ready.
I am with you. While I do like to have a surprise and do not want to be 100% assured the good guy will pull it off, the ending (whether it goes good or bad) needs to be as big or bigger than the buildup.
Otherwise, it just fizzles out and I am not as likely to seek out that author again.
I'm looking forward to seeing your new digs! Don't rush it…let happen.
I write historical romance, and I like to feel the tension. I also like to feel the joy…and the touch of a hand, or first kiss – still the hopeless romantic.
I have to have a happy ending. I hate being depressed or left hanging at the end of the book. I guess that's the romance writer in me. 🙂
Sorry it didn't work, but can't wait to see the new you:) I loved the end to Ronie Kendig's Discarded Heroes series – the entire book was an ending to that series. Not only was the book amazing, but its own ending was well done.
Praying all your bugs get worked out!
When I read romance, I have to believe that all those internal conflicts have been resolved in their mind, otherwise, I'm not going to believe they're really going to live heappily ever after. 🙂
Like Julie, I need my HEA ending, and it had better be sweet! Guess that's why I write romance. 🙂
Looking forward to seeing your new online home.
As I read a much anticipated novel, I enjoy the preliminary tension and conflict almost as much as I do the satisfying conclusion.
You have us on the edge of our seats. And not to worry, Jess… We'll be baaack! 🙂
It's just making us more excited for when you are able to reveal it.
Hey, I featured you on my writing page on FB today! 😀
~ Wendy
waaaaahhhh! 🙂 we'll see it soon, tho, so I'll wipe my tears and consider today's post a "cliffhanger" 😉
Awww, sorry about your site, but great way to twist it around into a good reminder. Books make promises to readers as intensity builds and the writer MUST deliver on that promise with an awesome ending…or else suffer the consequences of reader ire. 🙂 Excited for your site…waiting, waiting, holding my breath…not holding my breath because I'm a weakling…but still anticipating… 🙂
Good tip! Make the reader happy that she chose to read your book all the way to the end. I think that's why some editors tell us to write the last chapter first. Hard to do (especially if you're a seat of your pants writer and don't know what's going to happen, lol), but possibly handy.
Great tips, Jess – and we can wait 🙂
I look forward to your new place, but don't stress over it. The move will be sweeter when you can enjoy it too!
As for books, I'm a HEA type of gal. I LOVED Ronie Kendig's FIRETHORN, too, even though it didn't totally fit my HEA frame. I think we also have to be careful of "too much of a good thing." I read a book some time ago where the ending went on and on and on – 100 pages worth. That was one LONG EVER AFTER!
Keli: I couldn't agree more! I love a satisfying end but I want some suspense that it might not end perfectly!
Brett: Book that fizzle out really irritate me. I haven't read tons that do this, but a few!
Loree: Thanks! I agree. Those tiny stolen moments are perfect!
Julie: Interesting comment. What if you're left hanging, with a good idea of what's to come and it's the first in a series, then is it ok to be left hanging?
Susan: Thanks! I have a Kendig novel on my kindle. Got to get to it. I hear awesome things about her books!
Jennifer: I like that. Leaving it with me knowing full well it ends well.
Erica: I love romance too and I loved the way you ended A Bride's Portrait. Sigh!
Cynthia: You always encourage me! Thanks. I like loads of tension. 🙂
Wendy: That's so cool! Thanks so much.
Jaime: You crack me up. This is one cliffhanger I didn't plan. Ha.
Melissa: Send me a picture when you turn blue. I want that! LOL
Brandi: I usually know my ending, but I can't write it first because I need all the scenes and emotions building from chapter one to help me write it with the power it deserves and I want that Sigh moment my readers will get! LOL
Joanne: Thanks! 🙂
Marji: Okay that's it. I'm starting my Kendig book in the car rider line today!
Aw, bummer that it didn't work out today. But I still look forward to seeing your new digs whenever they're ready. 🙂
Good reminder for all of us. Don't worry it will be worth the wait and we'll all try to wait patiently as you are.
But I can't lie I CAN'T WAIT to see!! :))
Just like the publishing industry. It'll be worth it:)
Okay, I'll be patient a little longer…but it's not easy! 🙂 Definitely need the HEA. Romance writers unite!
With all the trilogies and sequels lately, it's hard to be satisfied with a book ending. You usually have to wait three whole books to be satisfied!
Well, I guess we'll just have to keep waiting…. 🙂
I haven't read anything lately!! Good gracious, I need a life!
You know I'm not one for suspense. 😉
Seriously, can't wait to see the new site!!
Looking forward to your new site. I'm sure that's disappointing to you, but things will work out soon.
As for a great book ending, I've been reading Patricia Cornwell's Kay Scarpetta series, and (IMO) she's the master of tying up the story line while keeping the characters evolving. She's an excellent example of a series that works flawlessly!
Looking forward to the new site.
As for building something up in a book and not delivering…it devastates me:(
I'm waiting … I'm waiting …
but I love how you turned unexpected events into a great blog post!
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