I agree. I think the takeaway here is that whether you want an element of ambiguity at the end or not, or even a lot of ambiguity, ambiguity is not the same thing as a missing ending. You need to have an ending, or it won't be satisfying. The ending can't simply just be missing. Ambiguity can't be your excuse for not including an ending. But that does not mean there can't be a lot of ambiguity in the ending as well.
I usually start my novels with an ending in mind so I don't flounder once I get there. I prefer an ending that wraps up the most pressing conflict and questions, though a little ambiguity is okay, kind of like a "happy for now" rather than a full HEA. But I hate cliffhangers and refuse to read a series that leaves the reader hanging.
Knowing the ending before you begin seems to be the most fail-safe way to write, and to avoid continuity issues along the way. I'm right there with you on the cliffhangers, I know they're common in some genres and some readers love them, but I find them a bit frustrating.
I too have endings already in mind for my stories. It's beginnings that I struggle with, so usually I have to work backwards from the ending to try and find the beginning. A few times I know what the beginning is, but it's rare. I currently have three part series, and each has a defined ending. No cliff hangers, so each book has a resolution. During the first book some background sub plot questions get raised that are answered in book two, but the main questions are answered. Same for book two, the main questions are answered but another background question is raised. Third book resolves everything asked at the beginning of book three. I like each book to have a satisfying ending/resolution whether that be a happy or sad ending.
The most important thing is that the ending is credible, so the reader can think about what the ending means. I like just and fair endings as they provide hope and encouragement that its worth overcoming the struggles of life.
I usually prefer resolved endings but am fine with unresolved endings so long as the questions left like, DO have concievable answers, even if there are multiple possible ones. Questions that are left over that feel like the author didn't have time or didn't now how to answer, that I don't like.
the worst ending are those that betray the reader. They try to make something canon that is not based or set up in the story, or change something that was already established making it look like a plot twist but it still contradicts and open knew plot holes
I do like to have an unresolved element to the story...I come up with my own solutions. I have a tendency to study novels as though they contained symbolic content, with multiple layers of meaning, especially at the END.
Symbolism is another great element to include in an ending! It can add so much depth and give the reader so much to think about. Thanks for the comment!
plot, plot, plot sub category: ending an 'ex machina' ending is considered poor writing. The structure of the story becomes: 1) something happened 2) something else happened 3) then something else happened 4) and then something else happened 5) queue an 'ex machina' ending where a government agency swoops in and says everything was a test, and the main character passed, and the supporting character failed. So what to look for in selecting an ending to your novel, is finding a conclusion that is active on every page. Something that gives a bit more explanation to why things happened the way they did in 'chapter 1', and more explanation to blind parts of the story that occurred along the way. Its really difficult, best of luck to all of you.
Little late to this but I'm wondering if anyone else feels sad about ending a book or a series that they've worked on. Recently I decided to have a few projects be completed and tbh I feel a little empty about making that decision but I didn't want to keep doing them forever. tbh I'm just curious if anyone ever felt this way and if so if they have any advice to move past it. Great video too btw.
Ambiguous, but not unresolved endings, if that makes sense. Like, tie up all of the MAIN plot points, but leave a little something up to the readers' imagination.
I’ve found that the most frustrating thing as a reader is the failure to create a satisfying ending.
That's why I will make a bad ending, which will be the only ending.
I agree. I think the takeaway here is that whether you want an element of ambiguity at the end or not, or even a lot of ambiguity, ambiguity is not the same thing as a missing ending. You need to have an ending, or it won't be satisfying. The ending can't simply just be missing. Ambiguity can't be your excuse for not including an ending. But that does not mean there can't be a lot of ambiguity in the ending as well.
I do like an ending that challenges me almost more than he satisfying ending. I have room for both.
I completely agree!
I usually start my novels with an ending in mind so I don't flounder once I get there. I prefer an ending that wraps up the most pressing conflict and questions, though a little ambiguity is okay, kind of like a "happy for now" rather than a full HEA. But I hate cliffhangers and refuse to read a series that leaves the reader hanging.
Knowing the ending before you begin seems to be the most fail-safe way to write, and to avoid continuity issues along the way. I'm right there with you on the cliffhangers, I know they're common in some genres and some readers love them, but I find them a bit frustrating.
And if it’s a book that has a sequel?
I too have endings already in mind for my stories. It's beginnings that I struggle with, so usually I have to work backwards from the ending to try and find the beginning. A few times I know what the beginning is, but it's rare.
I currently have three part series, and each has a defined ending. No cliff hangers, so each book has a resolution. During the first book some background sub plot questions get raised that are answered in book two, but the main questions are answered. Same for book two, the main questions are answered but another background question is raised. Third book resolves everything asked at the beginning of book three.
I like each book to have a satisfying ending/resolution whether that be a happy or sad ending.
The most important thing is that the ending is credible, so the reader can think about what the ending means. I like just and fair endings as they provide hope and encouragement that its worth overcoming the struggles of life.
Hemingway wrote 47 endings for "A Farewell to Arms."
So, don't beat yourself up if you don't get it right the first few times.
I usually prefer resolved endings but am fine with unresolved endings so long as the questions left like, DO have concievable answers, even if there are multiple possible ones. Questions that are left over that feel like the author didn't have time or didn't now how to answer, that I don't like.
the worst ending are those that betray the reader. They try to make something canon that is not based or set up in the story, or change something that was already established making it look like a plot twist but it still contradicts and open knew plot holes
I do like to have an unresolved element to the story...I come up with my own solutions. I have a tendency to study novels as though they contained symbolic content, with multiple layers of meaning, especially at the END.
Symbolism is another great element to include in an ending! It can add so much depth and give the reader so much to think about. Thanks for the comment!
plot, plot, plot
sub category: ending
an 'ex machina' ending is considered poor writing. The structure of the story becomes:
1) something happened
2) something else happened
3) then something else happened
4) and then something else happened
5) queue an 'ex machina' ending where a government agency swoops in and says everything was a test, and the main character passed, and the supporting character failed.
So what to look for in selecting an ending to your novel, is finding a conclusion that is active on every page. Something that gives a bit more explanation to why things happened the way they did in 'chapter 1', and more explanation to blind parts of the story that occurred along the way.
Its really difficult, best of luck to all of you.
This was me. It wasn't until I stopped worrying and wrote. The ending then revealed itself.
Sometimes it's the worry holds back your creativity!
THANK YOU ! Superb!
Just seeing your face makes me feel inspired to write at this point
Little late to this but I'm wondering if anyone else feels sad about ending a book or a series that they've worked on. Recently I decided to have a few projects be completed and tbh I feel a little empty about making that decision but I didn't want to keep doing them forever. tbh I'm just curious if anyone ever felt this way and if so if they have any advice to move past it. Great video too btw.
What modern day writer uses a typewriter?
I like an ambiguous ending if the ending is trash, so I can easily convince myself something else happened
Im having trouble with this for my game Dwerve. Should I end on family or the state of the world? hmmm
That seems interesting, perhaps there's space for multiple endings. If not.... Family ig.
Starting to write a sci-fi horror novel. Any tips?
Ambiguous, but not unresolved endings, if that makes sense. Like, tie up all of the MAIN plot points, but leave a little something up to the readers' imagination.
I prefer both the endings and happy endings if they are motivational novels
what is the name of ending type where the main protagonist turns into a PIGEON or a TREE?
Eren Yeager ending...
I write the ending first. If you don't know the ending and what got you there, how are you going to blow people's minds with the foreshadowing? LOL
Yes
You go back when you edit.
Hard a sound on "machina." You never taken Latin class or something?
Really enjoyed this thanks!