Some people might think that when it comes to creative writing, all you have to do is come up with a good story and then end it well. However, there are actually a few things that you should avoid when concluding your story in order to make it more effective. In this article, we will discuss three of the most common mistakes made when finishing a piece of fiction and provide tips on how to avoid them.
One of the most common mistakes when writing a conclusion is simply repeating what has already been said in the story. This can be very off-putting to readers, as it feels like you are just trying to fill up space or pad out the story. Instead, try to sum up the main points of your story in a concise and interesting way. This will give readers a sense of closure while still leaving them with something to think about.
Also, try not to simply list everything that happens at the end of your story. Come up with a way to integrate everything that you need to say in an easy-to-read format that your reader will enjoy as they reach the end of your story.
Another common mistake is to try and tie up every loose end in the story. This can often be difficult to do and make the ending feel rushed and forced. Instead, focus on wrapping up the main plot points and leave a few smaller threads unresolved.
This will give readers the satisfaction of knowing that the story has come to a close while still leaving them thinking about what might have happened to other minor plotlines or characters in the story. Your main conflict of the story should always be mostly resolved. However, as if it is still ongoing, your reader may feel that the story is incomplete and will still be wondering what happened to your characters.
As tempting as it is to end your story with a cliché such as, ‘It was all a dream’, try to avoid it. Writers’ block can make it difficult by the time you come to concluding your story, but when you have come up with a well-written and in-depth storyline with great descriptions and character progressions, an ending where it turns out to just be a dream would be very unsatisfying for your readers.
Finally, avoid ending your story with a cliffhanger. While this can be an effective way to get readers interested in your next instalment, it can also be frustrating if they feel like they have been left hanging. If you want to use a cliffhanger, resolve it in the first few pages of the next story so that readers don’t feel cheated.
Remember these tips the next time you sit down to write a conclusion, and you will be sure to create a more satisfying and effective ending for your story.
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