The document discusses the importance of strong endings in stories. It states that a good ending must tell the reader the story is over, nail the central theme to the reader's mind, and resonate or make the reader think. A really good ending can also surprise the reader, present a twist, or do something unexpected. When writing the ending, the author should have it in mind from the start and use it as an opportunity to influence the reader. Common weak endings to avoid are ones that simply state the character went home or woke up to find it was a dream. Strong ending techniques include using a memory, feeling, decision, wish or defining moment that results from the main event of the story. The ending is important because it

1. Strong EndingsStrong Endings
Holding on to the reader’sHolding on to the reader’s
attention after letting them go.attention after letting them go.

2. Function of an EndingFunction of an Ending
A good ending must:A good ending must:
 Tell the reader the story is over.Tell the reader the story is over.
 Nail the central theme of theNail the central theme of the
story to the reader’s mind.story to the reader’s mind.
 Resonate—stick with the readerResonate—stick with the reader
and make them think.and make them think.

3. Function of an Ending 2Function of an Ending 2
A really good ending can:A really good ending can:
 Surprise the reader.Surprise the reader.
 Present a twist on the story.Present a twist on the story.
 Do something unexpected—thatDo something unexpected—that
turns out to be exactly right.turns out to be exactly right.

4. How to Write a Strong EndingHow to Write a Strong Ending
 As you are writing the story,As you are writing the story,
have the ending in mind.have the ending in mind.
 Don’t make it an afterthought:Don’t make it an afterthought:
it’s your last chance to influenceit’s your last chance to influence
your reader, so make it count.your reader, so make it count.
 Answer one of these questions:Answer one of these questions:
 Why is this story important to you?Why is this story important to you?
 What was learned about yourself orWhat was learned about yourself or
someone else?someone else?
 What did you learn about the world?What did you learn about the world?

5. Watch Out for Weak EndingsWatch Out for Weak Endings
Here are some examples of how youHere are some examples of how you
SHOULD NOTSHOULD NOT end your story:end your story:
““So I went home and went to bed.”So I went home and went to bed.”
““Now I know not run into the streetNow I know not run into the street
when it’s foggy. I was lucky that day.when it’s foggy. I was lucky that day.
The next day…”The next day…”
““Suddenly, I woke up breathing hard!Suddenly, I woke up breathing hard!
It had all been a dream!”It had all been a dream!”

6. Techniques for a SatisfyingTechniques for a Satisfying
EndingEnding
 A Memory-A Memory- Remember the main event orRemember the main event or
conflict.conflict.
 A Feeling-A Feeling- Show how you felt about whatShow how you felt about what
happened in the story.happened in the story.
 A Decision-A Decision- Include a decision you madeInclude a decision you made
as a result of the main event or conflict.as a result of the main event or conflict.
 A Wish or Hope-A Wish or Hope- As a result of the mainAs a result of the main
event, show how you thought ahead andevent, show how you thought ahead and
made a wish or hope for the future.made a wish or hope for the future.
 A Defining Moment-A Defining Moment- As a result of theAs a result of the
main event, write about what you did thatmain event, write about what you did that
reflects a decision or a feeling.reflects a decision or a feeling.

7. Why is the ending soWhy is the ending so
important?important?
If leads are like flashlights thatIf leads are like flashlights that
shine down into the story,shine down into the story,
endings can be eternal flamesendings can be eternal flames
that keep a story alive in athat keep a story alive in a
reader’s head and heart.reader’s head and heart.
Chip ScanlanChip Scanlan
Poynter InstitutePoynter Institute