Figuring out the ending . . .

Sunshine13 · Jul 21, 2008

Ok so when I got to writing this book, of course I had an ending already in my head. But then the closer I got, the harder it became to write. Now that I'm there, I've changed it once already, no actually, TWICE now to try and find a better fit because apparently my characters are not cool with the one I originally came up with.

So I need to please them and I'm failing miserably. I am trying to think of ways to inspire me. Movies aren't doing it, books aren't doing it. What the hell?

My biggest struggle at first was to change it from trilogy cliff-hanger ending to stand alone ending, since it's my first and all. And honestly, after this experience, I'm not sure I have it in me to write a second one so soon. I need a breather! But GAH for the life of me I CAN'T figure out what the hell my characters want me to do to end this thing. Nothing I think of seems to work. Or if it does work, they hate it.

Help?

Maybe time is my answer. But I'm far enough behind my personal deadline as it is . . .

PS I thought I was in the 'Writing Novels' forum. You can move if you want, but not a biggie.

Mumut · Jul 21, 2008

Why not a cliff hanger for a first book? Mine is. Unfortunately (as you say) the second one is two years behind the first and I'm not happy with that - ill health and all that. Otherwise come up with a completely different ending ans save the vertical drop to the second book.

Indy Tarquinson · Jul 21, 2008

For my endings, I like playing with 'what ifs'. I was told in scriptwriting class that a script will end up having a bunch of endings. Write down a bunch of them and choose the one that really grabs you. I also like thinking of it in a 'fan fiction' sort of mindset: if I was writing a fan fiction of this story, how would I end it the most interesting and fun way I could and go off on my own tanget?

Sunshine13 · Jul 22, 2008

I was going to post this last night but AW was having issues.

I had my fun "Takes an hour to get to sleep" night because, well, I'm pregnant, and I always think of my book(s). And so I finally decided to ASK my main character what she wanted.

I kid you not I got the answer.

I scrambled to write it down so I wouldn't forget.

I'm happy now. Crazy how easy it ends up and how hard you can make it on yourself.

-does the happy dance-

Now if I can just get it onto 'paper'.

Bufty · Jul 22, 2008

Good for you, CC. If the story and events unfold as they should, the ending should develop naturally as the threads all come together. Following the characters and events to their logical conclusion is always better than trying to force everything to match a predetermined end.

tehuti88 · Jul 22, 2008

Try talking to your characters and see what they say.

I realize it sounds utterly moronic...

...but maybe you really need to try it. You obviously believe the characters are the ones who dislike the ending as it is, so, well, ask them! You can try "automatic writing" to get their replies, or just talking aloud, or whatever. The thing is, don't censor your responses because they sound silly or you think you're just "talking to yourself." Your characters are part of yourself, so of course that's what you'd be doing. But if you do it directly, maybe you'll actually get the answer you need to end the story properly.

Don't try to "make" them say what you think they SHOULD say...just let them talk. *shrug*

ETA--I just noticed you replied long ago (*needs to learn to read ahead*...

), but take a look, it was what I was going to advise!

Alpha Echo · Jul 22, 2008

ChristaCarol13 said:
I was going to post this last night but AW was having issues.

I had my fun "Takes an hour to get to sleep" night because, well, I'm pregnant, and I always think of my book(s). And so I finally decided to ASK my main character what she wanted.

I kid you not I got the answer.

I scrambled to write it down so I wouldn't forget.

I'm happy now. Crazy how easy it ends up and how hard you can make it on yourself.

-does the happy dance-

Now if I can just get it onto 'paper'.

Yay! I love it when inspiration just hits like that!!! congrats!

Straka · Jul 22, 2008

well I would have suggested before to walk away from the project and over time something will emerge, but it looks like it already has.

I was writing one book and the flow just wasn't right, so I stopped 40 pages into it and wrote another one. Three months later it struck me and I'm ready to return to it. Somethings just take time.

writersprite · Jul 22, 2008

I love it when the characters actually cooperate and talk to you. There was a time when my MC was stubborn, didn't appreciate all the effort and hard work that I was putting into giving him a better life, and then I realized I was trying to change him a bit too much.

I let him be himself and that was when he reluctantly acquiesced and helped me move on with my story.

What am I trying to say here? If you're having difficulty with a scene, chapter, paragraph, etc, take a step back and look at your characters and what you're having them do. Make certain they're acting in character. Often times when they aren't, they will rebel and go on strike.
:rant:

The characters are all powerful... mostly. I occasionally threaten to write them out and they get right back in line....

Matera the Mad · Jul 22, 2008

Way to go, gal!

The bedtime waiting for sleep hours -- and the lay a bit in the morning moments, and the oh-sith-I-need-a-nap-bad times -- are when I talk to my characters the most, and/or eavesdrop on their conversations with one another. I get into their heads and find out what they really think then. It's quiet, just us, and they loosen up and tell me all.

simplyaven · Jul 22, 2008

I think if you know your characters well, the ending should come naturally. I knew it from the beginning because it is the only possible ending for two such people like my characters. Their personalities lead to that. Nothing else would fit the way they are.

citymouse · Jul 23, 2008

Christa, You certainly aren't alone. I've explained in this forum how I write my novels, three so far, and I have met a few who do as I do.
I first write the opening chapter and the I write the ending. Writing the ending gives me a terminus--something to shoot for. With the exception
of my last book I ended with a completely different endings.

No one can advise you on whether you should write a second or third book.
However, if you love your characters I think you'll find them calling to you.
Closing the door with a final chapter may disappoint you more than those who read your book and find none in their future.

I didn't expect to write a trilogy but as it turned out I did. I was happy that I left the door open for that to happen.

Good luck,
C

novelator · Jul 23, 2008

Well, I'm going to suggest that you've already written the ending, you're just not seeing the clues. Those clues are there in the manuscript. At least for me, they're always there, I just have to look real hard sometimes to find them.

I've known a few writers, and one I see daily in the mirror, that didn't want to write the ending they knew in the heart of their souls was the right one because they didn't like what was going to happen.

I'm a seat of the pants writer and although I get various ideas of where a storyline might be headed during the writing, if the book's any good, the ending surprises me just as it will surprise the next reader that comes along. I am my book's first reader.

Mari

Clarec · Jul 23, 2008

Well done! I love it when inspiration strikes and you hit upon a problem solving answer. I have a similar problem but unfortunately, no answers so far. May try your little trick...

Clare

Figuring out the ending . . .

Sunshine13

Mom by day, writer by night!

Mumut

Well begun is half done...

Indy Tarquinson

Sunshine13

Mom by day, writer by night!

Bufty

Where have the last ten years gone?

tehuti88

Mackinac Island Fanatic

Alpha Echo

I should be writing.

Straka

Bored Fanatic

writersprite

Matera the Mad

Bartender, gimme a Linux Mint

simplyaven

citymouse

fantasy dweller

novelator

Clarec