Message Board Topic 4/20

[Comsie]

Whenever an author is writing a story, whether it's all in one shot or chapter to chapter, the goal is for the reader to start at 'Point A' and flawlessly get to 'Point B'. And that journey is usually one that's going uphill.

 

Meaning that with each paragraph, each bit of dialogue, each character action...the story is often expected to 'go' somewhere. And the events keep upping the stakes until we all ultimately reach a climax where the point of the whole story comes into focus. This is where the boys finally get together, or the sex, or the first kiss, or the hero fights the giant killer clam people from space. Whatever it is...the climax should be the highest part of the story, and should lead to a satisfying ending. (That's the traditional way of doing it, at least. Certainly not the only rule)

 

The question is...how can an author create a big finish that's brings all of the story elements to a head and makes the whole thing worth reading just to get to that point? No one wants to 'blow their load' in the first few chapters (if you'll pardon the expression)...always leave them wanting more until it's over. Right? So what makes for a big finish for you guys as writers or readers? And if you have a show stopping grand finale in mind for the climax, how do you keep the rest of the story interesting without overshadowing the height of the story? Whatever your thoughts, let us know!

[LongGone]

My biggest complaint with many authors is how they fail at endings. For some it's the hardest, for others it's the easiest. And no matter the case, some readers will be unhappy. So I have learned.