Can't come to a conclusion...

[Michigan]

I have a problem, and I have it quite frequently. I have an idea for a story, and for many scenes and characters, and I'm really excited, and I start. But I can't end it. It doesn't happen EVERY time but very often, I just can't work out a fitting conclusion.

This brings many of my stories to a dead stop. I move on to the next thing, and my documents are full of unfinishes stories as a result. Stories that I really felt I could take somewhere, if only I could figure out an ending...

Anyone have the same problem? Have a way of tackling it?

 

[Eugen]

As I don't know much about your story, Michigan, a lot depends on the genre. If it's mystery, your ending will naturally be a resolution; who done it - on the assumption, of course, that you've planted enough clues for the ending not to be magic.

If it's comedy, then you need a punch line.

If it's a short story, this is easiest - it's short enough to allow you not to tie the loose ends. You can leave it hanging with a lot of possibilities; credit the reader's intelligence.

Otherwise as a whole: how about a surprise ending? Let your characters tell their story, determining what shape it takes. Think of all scenarios, a what-if-analysis. And what you most predict, that which is most likely - don't let it happen.

 

[King Kovifor]

I do! You know why. I never ever get to that stage. LOL.