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As we approach the conclusion of NaNoWriMo 2024, those who’ve stuck with their goal are likely nearing the end of their stories. Writing Tip for Today: Here are a few tips for novel endings: Your All-is-lost Moment As you get to the last scenes of Act II in the classic story structure, you’ll want your […]
Whether you’re writing a scene or an essay, your ending is the last thing readers see before going on. Here are tips for finding your best ending. Writing Tip for Today: What things can help you write the best possible ending? Agreement Your ending—to a scene or the novel or a nonfiction essay—must agree with […]
As November and NaNoWriMo wind down, many participants are closing in on their novel’s ending. It’s hard to start a novel—sometimes even harder to know where to end. Writing Tip for Today: Here are a few tips to help you write your novel’s ending: Three-Act Structure The classic three-act structure breaks down a novel into […]
Some readers love sweet story endings. Others want more realistic or nuanced finishes. Either way, readers will demand that your novel have a satisfying ending. Writing Tip for Today: Here are some little reminders for nailing that novel ending: Short and Sweet Your novel’s ending begins just after your climax scene. If you proceed to […]
Writing the ending to your NaNoWriMo novel can make the whole month feel worthwhile. As soon as you type, “The End,” you can start celebrating! Writing Tip for Today: To help your NaNo novel cross the finish line in the best shape possible, consider these tips: No Rushing, Shoving or Pushing As you write […]
In the writing world, there’s always a controversy blowin’ in the wind. Recently, I read about one called HEA v. HFN or Happy Ever After or Happy for Now. This question, on whether romance readers prefer a romance’s ending to be “and they lived happily ever after,” or “They were happy for now,” seems pretty […]
Endings. Every novel has one. Most first novelists are glad they got to The End, and they should be. Many, many first novels lie uncompleted in a desk drawer. But there’s more to an ending than giving a sly smile and saying, “I’m leaving it open for the sequel.”Writing Tip for Today: As you approach […]
Novel writers will almost certainly hit a wall as they write a first draft. Instead of walking away from the book, or complaining that your Muse has taken an extended vacation, once in a while you might “cherry pick,” or write fun, exciting or tense scenes. I’m only recommending this for occasional use–too much cherry […]