Strategies for Concluding a Brief Narrative
In the world of short story writing, crafting an impactful ending is crucial. Sara Kopeczky, an English and Italian teacher living in Croatia, editor of The Split Mind, and an aspiring author, shares her insights on how to write an effective ending for a short story.
Kopeczky, who has published poetry and short fiction in magazines, collections, and online, emphasises the importance of providing closure while leaving an impact. The ending should resolve the main conflict and answer the story’s central question in a way that feels earned and meaningful. It's vital to address both practical consequences (what happens next in the story world) and emotional aftermath (how characters are affected).
Avoiding deus ex machina is another key tip. While surprising twists that rapidly solve problems can sometimes work, they risk feeling like lazy writing and can undermine the story’s credibility. Instead, let the protagonist’s reaction and subtle reflections close the emotional arc, allowing readers to feel the story’s thematic weight.
Cliffhangers and twists can create suspense, but they must fit the story’s intent and genre. The ending should still feel intentional and not merely abrupt. Aim for clarity and flow in the prose, guiding the reader smoothly through the final moments, building logical and emotional closure.
To make the ending memorable, consider using a vivid image, a poignant line, or a thematic echo (e.g., repeating a motif or phrase with new meaning). Zooming out of the story or broadening the setting can create a visual and impactful ending. Circular endings can help round up a short story, providing a sense of completion.
Over-explaining should be avoided in short story endings. Readers appreciate being left to interpret the story to some extent. Open endings allow readers to choose their own interpretations, mimicking real life by not stopping events or resolving mysteries immediately.
Shocking the readers can be an effective way to end a short story, but it's crucial to ensure it fits the story's tone and theme. Kopeczky advises against using cliches or repeating elements from popular books, as it can detract from the originality and impact of the story.
Sara Kopeczky has won several literary competitions in Croatia and Germany, and her magazine, The Split Mind, is dedicated to literature and culture. This article was contributed as a guest post by Sara Kopeczky, offering valuable insights for anyone looking to improve their short story writing skills.
Living in the realm of home-and-garden, one might ponder the significance of a well-crafted conclusion. Analogously, in the world of short story writing, providing closure while leaving an impact is equally crucial.
