Where does it end???

[Djmac1031]

My query is, how do you decide where your stories end?

I struggled with this question the most while writing my series The Jenna Arrangement.

It started as a very simple story that grew and expanded into what finally became 30 chapters and a prequel.

I realized very early on I had no End Game in mind. I was just writing the continuing adventures of these characters I'd created and come to love.

Eventually, though, I decided i did need to end it. The series was just too long, readers were drifting away and I was running out of ideas.

I decided to end it, not with a sense of finality, but with the inference that these characters would continue on together into the unknown future, we'd just no longer get to follow them.

 

[DynamicFigure]

It ends with her completely ravaged with big sparkly stars in her eyes.

 

[gunhilltrain]

It ends with her completely ravaged with big sparkly stars in her eyes.

If the story goes on long enough, it usually ends in a break-up, which is how modern relationships usually go. That was already true in 1975, fifty years ago. One guy is complaining about being dumped by this girlfriend. He's talking to the girlfriend before her, who also dumped him for an older guy with better prospects. They maintain a half-friendly acquaintanceship anyway.

"I don't know, you ladies don't play fair."

Nora rolled her eyes. "Paul, for better or worse, it's not 1905 any longer. It's a different world now." She sang, " 'Daisy, Daisy, I'm half-crazy, all for the love of you.' " She smiled. "Of course, the song doesn't tell you what happened after they got married."

"So what do I do now?"

"What we all have to do. Start over."

 

[Northstar4695]

I have a story I published recently that was very short. It was just an encounter, about 2500 words. As I finished it, I had an idea for a much longer continuation (maybe 10k words or more, not sure). I’ve done one chapter story before, but the later chapters didn’t get much attention. I was thinking about essentially publishing a standalone full story including the portion already published. I might put a short note at the opening to explain. In this instance I should have kept it going, but I was too eager to get that short scene up.

 

[iwatchus]

I got an anonymous comment last night that is very relevant. First the comment:

You have not finished in the right place. Carol is capable of redemption and Mel has room to flower. You have done ok with the prickly first bits - now we need a strong second half.

This was on an LS story, two main characters had been flirting for months, became lovers, discovered a serious issue blocking the relationship and then resolved the relations. The comment is partially right, in my mind at least. I did not give enough of a calm down in the story after the drama of resolving the underlying issue. I think I would have done a better job if I wrote it now. But it never would have been close to half. Or I could write a sequel, but I actually think it would be boring, no major conflicts to resolve.

I think Carol's path to redemption is obvious once the climax has occurred. Mel will hopefully flower. Those seem likely to happen.

I chose to ease off (too quickly albeit) where I did because I thought that was essentially the end of the story I wanted to tell. The interesting part of THIS story was done. I understand the desire to enjoy the payoff more, but I'm not as interested in writing a really long description of what their happily ever after looks like.