What happened on Day 5?
Today I’ve been reviewing how to write a good chapter ending.
A reader wants to read on
As a writer, and a cross between a plotter and a pantser, I just know how and when I’m going to finish writing a chapter. Quite often a natural break appears so I’ll end the chapter in such a way that hopefully the reader has to read on.
As a reader, a chapter ending normally signifies to me (depending how long I’ve been reading in a single sitting) it’s time to go do something else – cook the dinner, get out of bed, go for a walk. It’s like a good place to stop, to have a rest.
Did the chapter even end?
However, when reading the best ending to a chapter is when I don’t even remember that it ended. You know the one – it’s usually ‘I’ve got to keep reading to find out what happens next – the cliffhanger. So you just keep turning the pages oblivious to chapter endings, time and anything else going on around you.
If I’ve reached that state in my reading I know the author has done a great job in keeping the story moving and the suspense high regardless of genre.
Of course, I’d like to be able to do the same in my writing. Easier said than done!
The following are my current go-to resources on how to write a good chapter ending:
Dual duties of chapter endings
The best way to learn is to study what other authors do so whatever books I’m reading at the moment I’m evaluating how well the chapter ended – it should leave me wanting more!
What would you define as a good chapter ending? What resources do you use to help you write a chapter ending?
Casey Fae Hewson 