How to Write a Story Ending: Crafting the Unforgettable Last Pages Your Book Deserves

The ending of your book is not a formality; it’s the whole point your readers have stuck with you page after page, word after word, for so many hours. So, how you write a story ending will make or break their entire reading experience. So, the final pages should leave your readers with a sense of satisfaction or contemplation. The type of ending you choose, however, will vary based on your genre and writing style. If you write romance, you’ll be tied to a happily-ever-after, whereas a thriller may need to leave readers on the edge of their seats. Let’s take a look at five important steps that will help you create an unforgettable ending for your book.

Tie Up Loose Ends

If you don’t follow any other advice today, please do this: Resolve all major plot points in the final pages. Readers have invested their time (and emotions) into your characters and storylines, so giving them the closure they deserve needs to be number one on your priorities list. When you tie up these narrative threads, however, consider leaving some subtle intrigue to keep the atmosphere of your story alive.

When you resolve plot points, think back to the central story arcs and how they all intersected. Did your protagonist reach their goal? What about your secondary characters? Did their stories reach conclusions?

Practice It

Draft a summary of your story’s main plot points. Next, list all the unresolved questions that might still be open at the end of your book. Practice crafting resolutions for those plot points.

End with a Strong Final Line

Do you have a favorite final line of a book or movie? That’s because the final line is the last chance writers have to leave a mark on readers (or viewers), and a strong last line can fully encapsulate your story’s essence, provoke thought, or evoke a strong emotional response. Here are three tips to think about if you want to WOW your readers with a flawless last line:

1. Be concise—All powerful last lines have brevity on their side. Avoid unnecessary words that dilute the delivery.
2. Lean into surprise—A surprise twist can leave readers shocked and wanting to reread your book with fresh eyes.
3. Reflect on themes—Tie your final line back to your story’s main themes for a full-circle moment.

Practice It

Write down a list of your favorite last lines from books or films. What do you think makes them memorable? Try to replicate this quality in your own final line.

Create an Emotional Impact

Delivering an emotional punch in your final pages can leave a lasting impression on readers. This won’t work for every genre, but if you’re writing literary fiction, this is for you. Think about how your characters feel in the final moments of your book. Do they achieve what they’ve been striving for, or do they face unforeseen challenges? Write a moment that evokes strong feelings—triumph, loss, nostalgia, etc.—that will ensure your readers remember your story.

Practice It

Depending on your story type, you can practice writing three types of endings for your book: one that evokes joy, one that evokes sadness, and one that is surprising. Again, this doesn’t work with every genre, but if it fits yours—give it a try!

Try an Open Ending

Using an open ending can be a powerful way to keep readers thinking about your book long after they’ve finished it. By leaving some questions unanswered, you encourage readers to interpret the story in their own ways. Ambiguity can generate curiosity and keep your work relevant in readers’ minds.

An open ending won’t suit every genre (like romance), but it’s particularly effective in mysteries, thrillers, and literary fiction. Think about how you can craft an ending that feels complete but also leaves space for readers’ imagination and interpretation.

Practice It

Draft two endings for your story. One should provide closure and the other should leave significant questions unanswered. Discuss the implications of each with a writing group or ask your beta readers which version resonated most with them.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid in Your Story Ending

If this is your first time writing the ending for a story, be mindful of these common pitfalls that could undermine your efforts:

1. Over-explaining—Trust that your readers understand the subtext of your story and avoid excessive exposition. Don’t try to explain everything in the last chapter.
2. Forgetting the tone—A jarring shift in tone in the ending can leave readers feeling disconnected. Make sure your ending matches the tone of the rest of your story.
3. Introducing new plot points—Don’t confuse readers, your only goal with the ending is to wrap up existing storylines—not add new complications.
4. Ignoring character arcs—An unresolved character arc is like forgetting to tie together loose ends. Address your characters’ growth and transformations.

TL; DR

Writing a great story ending elevates your narrative and leaves a lasting impression on your readers. Focus on tying up loose ends, reflecting on your themes, creating emotional impact, considering an open ending, and finishing with a powerful last line. Master these elements of storytelling, and your book’s ending will stick with readers long after they finish your story.

Have a favorite story ending that left you wanting more? Share it in the comments and tell us what made it unforgettable!