The End

I have trouble with endings. When I begin writing a story, I do not necessarily know how it will end. Some people have told me that this is not a good way to write, but I find that it works best for me to write one "day in the life" section at a time. I have explained when I am defending my random order concept (instead of writing in chronological order) by pointing out that my writing style works as if I am meeting my characters and find out a little bit about them at a time, from different parts of their lives.

But when it comes to finishing a story, I often get stuck. Even if I know what the culminating event is, the denouement is still difficult to put on paper. It was most apparent to me when I was trying to bring a semi-autobiographical novel (my longest yet) to a close. I figured it was because I could not end my own life story, and so I didn't know how to end the story of such an autobiographical character. But the truth is I have this issue with every piece I write. The shorter the story, the easier it is to leave open-ended, so I often use a non-ending in those cases. But it feels like a cheap trick when writing longer and more in-depth stories.

I'm curious if there are exercises for this, or if there is a way that I can work through this issue. I don't necessarily see dynamic endings in those novels that I read, so I know that it is not a matter of going out with a bang. But those authors do seem to at least satisfy the reader with a finish of some sort. In fact, I'm not even sure that my endings are particularly unsatisfactory. I just know that I struggle and wonder if I have indeed finished the stories. Most of the input I have received on my writing has been about beginnings and broader concepts.

Case in point, I have a few really strong stories that I would like to submit to literary magazines, but I worry that my endings will weigh the judges' decisions against my work. I know that if I had more time to practice and just get words down, then I would have more confidence in this area. But the fact is I don't have time even to do the things that I do from day to day.

But no excuses. I hope to tackle this dilemma with regular writing practice. Perhaps I'll write endings first. Last sentence before the rest of the story. That just might do it...