"There is more treasure in books than in all the pirate's loot on Treasure Island." - Walt Disney

Tuesday, January 27, 2015

Elusive Ending

I'm struggling with the end of a piece I wrote a couple of weeks ago. The first draft flowed right out (total pantser here ;-). In one sitting, I had a completed story line - with the exception of the perfect ending. I feel like the rest of the story is nearly perfect in the first draft form, but I can't seem to find the right combination of words to tie it up nicely.

As is, the ending seems too abrupt. It's like I've quit too soon after the climax. The emotional space devoted to bidding farewell to the characters is awkward, although I feel the emotional closure is almost complete. I feel I need just the perfect sentence or two to finish it, but for some reason, the muse has left me hanging.

Does this happen to you? How do you find your "perfect ending"?

3 comments:

Artemis Grey said...

A lot of the time, my beginnings, and my endings come to me easily. I'm a total panster too, so most of the time, I have no idea what the ending will be like until I'm well into the manuscript. Then it'll come to me and make itself clear.

I have ONE book though, which refuses to have the perfect ending. It's actually one that I've submitted multiple times, and I've gotten good feedback - some of it related to the ending, which has changed multiple times. To begin with, it was dragging, then it was too short, no matter what I change, I don't *love* it. It remains up for grabs.

Unknown said...

Frustrating. Sometimes I try to mull it over and make those my last thoughts as I drift off to sleep, hoping my unconscious will figure it out for me. It's so great when you hit it right and you know it! Good luck.

Jack said...

This happens to me so often. It is hard when it is a story you love, and you wish the ending to be perfect. They are the hardest to capture.