By Rita Stella Galieh | @RitaSGalieh @ICFWriters
That awful feeling managing to wake a writer in the dead of night. And no matter what day time work you're involved in, it's there in the back of your mind.
What to do? Write. Write. Write. But it's not what you want and will never 'pass muster'. And even worse, it's coming up to the end where you need a great climax and a satisfying conclusion.
Yes, all the ends are just about tied. But there is a need for something extra. Something to make the reader hang in there until the very end. Something so pleasing, they're glad they took precious time to read the book.
I hate to admit it, but I have often been in this very situation.. And at this very moment I am writing my thoughts, still hoping for a last minute reprieve when all will become clear. Of course I'm praying about it, but answers don't always pop into your head. That ten percent of inspiration is desperately needed. The other ninety per cent of hard slogging has made the story resonate .
UNBLOCKING
Just reread the whole draft. Maybe one more conflict needs to come between these protagonists, both who are drawn to each other, but not yet committed. No, not an accident. Maybe an argument? Serious enough to pull them farther apart? A possibility? Yes that'll do it
Now adding all the effects of a heated argument. However, they have just discovered despite their differences they still retain that attraction. And he is getting around her objections. Now I feel it's drawing to a satisfactory conclusion.
Great! It's been a mix of fun and frustration. That's what comes of being a 'Pantser" Still, following the characters as they reveal themselves is all about being a writer.
What do you other writers do when you admit your story needs a nice twist near its end? Or have you figured it out from the beginning? I thought I had already done that but my characters changed and pushed me in another more interesting direction. And that's where they led me without a plan for the conclusion. I do not enjoy a story- book or movie - where you have to guess the ending which leaves you wondering. Or maybe you do like that.
and Facebook.
Rita studied art at the National Art School then joined the family ceramics studio. After their marriage, she and her husband attended Emmaus Bible College, and were also involved with Christian Television on Sydney’s Channel Nine. Currently she co-presents Vantage Point, an Australia-wide Christian FM radio program. She enjoys giving her fun-filled presentations of ‘Etiquette of the Victorian Era’ in costume.
Thanks for this, Rita. It’s a challenge as a writer - especially a pantser! - to keep all those elements ticking over, even more so when your characters get bossy and take the story in new directions. I don’t like stories that leave me hanging, so getting the ending right is important. You’ve made me think about my most recent story (still in draft stage) that it might be a little flat at the end. Hmmm, I might need my beta readers to give me more feedback.
ReplyDeleteHi Carolyn! We sure need those helpful opinions of those clued into what we write.My hubby helps me in an interesting way. He circles in red anything he doesn't 'get'. That way I realize I haven't made the point of the scene clear. And not being mystery writers, we have a different way of looking at things. Still, a nice 'cliff hanger' ending always satisfies. I hope your ending on your newest novel will be just as great as all your others!!!
ReplyDeleteFor me it's always doing more research when I'm stuck. I used to call a librarian; now I can usually find something on the internet. If I don't know what to say I don't know enough about my subject or characters.
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