2 Writing the Perfect Climax and Ending

Guest blogger Kat Zhang did a great article about Endings and Climaxes on Let the Words Flow today. It reminded me that we all spend a lot of time worrying about the beginning of a novel, and far too little time thinking about the end. This is, I believe, the reason a synopsis, outline, or other form of plan is necessary. Otherwise, it's just too easy to write yourself into a corner.

Kat's advice is sound. Here's my takeaway:

1) Have the protagonist solve the final problem.
2) Make sure the protag has earned any victory through growth, courage, self-sacrifice, and hard work.
3) Ensure all tools the protag and antag use have been woven and layered in throughout the book.
4) Take time for wrap-up in the denouement, hinting at how the protag's growth will change the world around her going forward.

Read the full article:
http://letthewordsflow.wordpress.com/2010/04/22/guest-article-endings-and-climaxes/

And for further information on climaxes and endings:
http://writingforstagescreen.suite101.com/article.cfm/writing_great_endings_the_climax
http://www.creativejuicesbooks.com/creative-story-writing-cliffhangers.html
http://thedarksalon.blogspot.com/2009/10/act-climaxes-turning-points-plot-points.html
http://www.writersdigest.com/article/use-casual-writing-to-connect-the-dots/
http://www.writersdigest.com/article/3_Tips_for_Writing_for_Kids/
http://www.helium.com/items/1456842-fiction-writing-writing-a-plot-climax-novel-action-ending-a-book

Write a satisfying climax,

Martina