Captivate Your Audience: Writing That Turns Heads and Opens Wallets Exciting News for Authors! Struggling with your writing? My latest blog posts have your back! Learn tips to captivate readers and boost your success. Say goodbye to lackluster writing and hello to engaging content that hooks readers. |
Hello, fellow writers and story-lovers!
So, you’ve spent countless hours building your world, bonding with your characters, and wrestling with that tricky plot. Now, you’re facing the ultimate challenge: ending your story in a way that leaves your readers nodding in satisfaction instead of rolling their eyes. Let’s be honest: a killer ending can be the difference between a book someone recommends to their friends and one that ends up gathering dust on a shelf. So, how do you pull it off? Let’s chat about a few proven ways to craft a solid finish that resonates with readers, keeps them hooked, and maybe even gets them hungry for your next project. 1. Bring It Full Circle A great ending isn’t just about wrapping things up; it’s about reflecting back on where you started. Your readers want to feel like they’ve been on a journey that makes sense. Show them how far your protagonist has come by mirroring an early scene or bringing back a detail you dropped in chapter one. Example: Your story opens with a shy, nervous artist who can’t even hang their paintings in a local café. By the end, they’re headlining their own gallery show. Readers love that “whoa, look how far they’ve come” feeling. Personal Anecdote: I once wrote a novella where I kicked things off with a character who couldn’t speak up at the office meeting. In the end, I had them confidently pitch an idea to a crowd. My beta readers were fist-pumping at that moment (or so they told me)! 2. Give Your Characters Closure Endings that leave everyone hanging can frustrate readers. A tiny mystery can be fun, but you generally want to resolve the main conflict. If your character’s been chasing a magical amulet or searching for their long-lost dog, let them achieve that goal—or fail in a meaningful way. It’s about giving readers that sense of “mission accomplished,” even if the mission ended differently than expected. Example: If your protagonist spent the whole story hunting for a rare ingredient to save their grandmother, either let them find it and celebrate or fail and learn a heartfelt lesson. Don’t leave the grandma’s fate in limbo. That’s just cruel. 3. Nail the Emotional Tone The end of your story should deliver the emotional payoff readers have been waiting for. Whether that’s a tearful reunion, a heartfelt goodbye, or a victorious stand against the villain, make sure it matches the tone of your tale. Example: If you’ve written a comedic adventure, don’t suddenly turn it into a tragedy at the very end. Keep it consistent—let your hero crack one last joke as they sail into the sunset. Personal Anecdote: I once tried to end a rom-com with a super-serious, downer twist. My critique partner asked, “Uh, did you forget this was supposed to be funny?” Yup, learned my lesson there. Keep your tone steady! 4. Tie Up Loose Ends (At Least Most of Them) We all love a good plot twist but don’t leave unanswered questions. If there’s a subplot about a missing necklace, show us who took it, or at least hint strongly at the culprit. Readers don’t need every detail spelt out, but they’ll feel cheated if you set up mysteries and never give closure. Example: Your detective hero can solve the big murder case, but what about the missing cat next door? At least show the cat strolling back with a smug look. Readers can connect the dots and be satisfied. 5. Keep It Simple and Clean Don’t cram a bunch of random new info into your last chapter. The ending is about paying off the setup you’ve already given readers. Keep it clean, focused, and straightforward. By the time your readers reach the finale, they should feel like you’ve got a plan, not like you’re panicking and tossing in last-minute surprises. Example: You don’t need to introduce the hero’s secret twin brother from Mars in the final pages—unless you hinted at it way back in chapter two. Surprise reveals are fine if earned, but last-second shocks without foreshadowing can annoy readers. Wrapping It Up (See What I Did There?) Ending a story effectively takes a little planning and a dash of finesse. Bring it full circle, give closure, match the emotional tone, resolve those pesky loose ends, and don’t introduce any wild new elements at the eleventh hour. Trust me, when you set that last page down, you want readers smiling, sighing contentedly, or cheering—anything but shrugging. Got any go-to tips for wrapping up a story? Share them in the comments—I’d love to hear how you craft your solid finishes. And who knows? With the right ending, your readers might just be begging for more.
0 Comments
I recently had the pleasure of being interviewed by Fiza Pathan, (insaneowl) where I got to share some of my personal journey as a writer and talk about the inspiration behind my books. It was such a rewarding experience, filled with thought-provoking questions that really made me reflect on my life and work.
The interview gave me a chance to delve into what drives my writing and explore the connections between my love for science fiction, spirituality, and storytelling. A big thank you to Fiza for her insightful questions and for giving me the opportunity to connect with her audience. I’m so grateful for the chance to share my thoughts and stories. If you’d like to read the full interview, you can check it out here: Interview I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed answering the questions! Feel free to leave a comment below with your thoughts or questions—I’d love to hear from you. Happy reading, James Hey there, storytellers! Let’s talk about endings – the part of your story that can leave readers cheering or groaning. A great ending ties everything together and sticks with your audience long after they’ve closed the book or turned off the screen. But how do you nail it? One word: storyboarding.
Storyboarding isn’t just for filmmakers; it’s also a powerful tool for writers. It helps you organize your ideas, spot plot holes, and craft a killer ending that feels satisfying and earned. Let’s break it down with a warm, friendly chat and a few tips along the way. Why Your Story’s Ending Matters Endings are like dessert at the end of a meal – you want them to be memorable and satisfying. Whether it’s a happy-ever-after, a shocking twist, or a bittersweet goodbye, your ending should feel like the perfect conclusion to the journey you’ve taken your audience on. But here’s the thing: great endings don’t just happen. They need planning, and that’s where storyboarding comes in. What Is Storyboarding? If you’ve ever jotted down ideas or sketched a rough timeline of your story, congratulations – you’ve dabbled in storyboarding! At its core, it’s a visual representation of your story’s structure. Think of it as a roadmap for your plot, with all the major beats, twists, and turns. And trust me, it’s a lifesaver when you’re working out how to stick the landing. How a Storyboard Can Help You Nail the Ending 1. See the Big Picture A storyboard gives you a bird’s-eye view of your story. You can see how all the pieces fit together and ensure your ending ties back to the beginning. Readers love it when things come full circle – it’s like a big, satisfying “aha!” moment. Example: Let’s say your story starts with a character afraid of heights. On your storyboard, you mark that fear in Act 1. By the end, you can show them conquering it – maybe by skydiving or scaling a mountain – for a triumphant conclusion. 2. Spot Plot Holes Early: Ever gotten to the end of your story and thought, “Wait, this doesn’t make sense”? Storyboarding helps you catch those pesky plot holes before they trip you up. Example: Your protagonist defeats the villain in the final chapter, but how did they suddenly get a magic sword? Storyboarding would have flagged that missing setup earlier so you could weave it into the plot. 3. Balance Pacing: Your ending shouldn’t feel rushed or drag on forever. A storyboard helps you manage the pacing of your climax and resolution so everything feels just right. Example: Use your storyboard to ensure the big showdown doesn’t wrap up in two pages or drag on for twenty. Strike that sweet spot where readers stay hooked but don’t get fatigued. 4. Plan for Emotional Payoff: A good ending should make readers feel joy, sadness, relief, or even surprise. Storyboarding lets you plan those emotional beats, so they hit just right. Example: You might mark a heartwarming scene on your storyboard where two estranged characters reconcile. Seeing it in context helps you build up to that moment for maximum impact. My Storyboarding Journey (and a Little Mishap) Confession time: I used to write without any roadmap. My stories meandered, and the endings? Let’s just say they weren’t exactly chef’s kiss. Once, I had a protagonist dramatically confess their love… after two chapters of barely knowing the other character. Talk about awkward. Then, I discovered storyboarding. Now, I jot down every major plot point on sticky notes and arrange them on a big board (yes, it’s very cinematic). It’s like having a GPS for my writing – no more getting lost, and my endings feel way more satisfying. Tips for Setting Up Your Storyboard
Wrapping It Up Ending a story effectively is all about preparation; a storyboard is your secret weapon. It helps you see the big picture, avoid plot holes, balance pacing, and deliver that emotional punch readers crave. So, grab those sticky notes (or fire up your favourite app) and start mapping out your story. Trust me, your readers will thank you for it. Have you tried storyboarding before? Do you have any funny or inspiring writing mishaps? Share them in the comments – I’d love to hear your stories! Hello, grammar enthusiasts and punctuation warriors! Let’s chat about a little set of dots that can add drama, hesitation, or mystery to your writing: the ellipsis (…). While it might seem simple, the ellipsis is one of those punctuation marks that’s often misused. Whether you’re writing a novel, a blog, or a snarky text message, knowing how to use ellipses correctly can make all the difference.
So, let’s explore the do’s and don’ts of using ellipses, with some handy examples. What Is an Ellipsis? First things first, an ellipsis is three little dots (…) used to indicate something has been left out. It’s like the “dot, dot, dot” of intrigue. But these humble dots are versatile. You can use them in dialogue to show a pause in thought or in quotes to show omitted text. How to Use Ellipses Correctly Here are the top ways you should be using ellipses:
Example: “Are you… sure about this?” Sarah asked, glancing nervously at the dark woods. See how the ellipsis gives that pause a little suspense? It’s perfect for building tension 2. To Indicate Omitted Text in Quotes Ellipses can save the day when you’re quoting someone and want to skip over irrelevant parts. Just make sure you’re not altering the meaning of the original quote. Original Text: “The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog because it’s training for the forest Olympics.” With Ellipsis: “The quick brown fox… is training for the forest Olympics.” It’s like a magic wand for trimming down text! 3. To Create a Cliffhanger Ellipses can be your best friend when you want to leave your readers hanging. Example: She opened the door, and there it was… What was it? A monster? A pizza delivery guy? You’ll have to read on to find out! Common Mistakes with Ellipses Now that you know how to use them, let’s talk about what not to do. Here are some common ellipsis errors:
Incorrect: “I just don’t know…… what to say.” Correct: “I just don’t know… what to say.” 2. Overusing Ellipses Ellipses are great, but too many in one piece of writing can be annoying. Use them sparingly for maximum impact. If your page looks like it’s covered in Morse code, it’s time to cut back. 3. Using Ellipses Instead of Periods Ellipses are not a replacement for proper punctuation. They’re not a get-out-of-jail-free card for finishing sentences lazily. Incorrect: “I went to the store… bought some apples… came home.” Correct: “I went to the store, bought some apples, and came home.” Personal Anecdote: My Ellipsis Overload Phase When I first started writing, I went through what I like to call my “Ellipsis Overload Phase.” Every sentence trailed into the void… like I couldn’t finish a thought… because it was mysterious. My editor was not amused. She circled every unnecessary ellipsis in red pen and wrote, “Finish your sentences!” Lesson learned: less is more when it comes to ellipses. Quick Tips for Perfect Ellipsis Use
Wrapping It Up Ellipses are a fantastic tool when used correctly, but they work best in moderation, like all good things. Whether you’re writing a dramatic novel, a punchy blog, or just a text to your bestie, knowing how to wield the ellipsis can elevate your writing game. So, go forth and use your ellipses wisely… but not too much. Got any ellipsis horror stories or funny writing quirks? Drop them in the comments – I’d love to hear them! Hey there, wordsmiths! Let’s talk about editing – the love-it-or-hate-it writing stage where the magic happens. As someone who’s seen their fair share of first drafts (and trust me, some were doozies), I can tell you that a handful of mistakes pop up repeatedly. If you’re wondering what they are, you’re in the right place! Let’s dive into the five most common errors editors see and, more importantly, how you can fix them.
1. Repetition Overload: Saying It Twice… or Three Times… or… Ever notice how some writers seem to say the same thing over and over? It’s like they think readers won’t get it the first time. Repetition can make your writing feel redundant and, well, boring. Example: Original: The sky was a dark, inky black. It was so black that it looked like ink had spilt all over it. Edited: The sky was as dark as spilled ink. Fix It: Be concise. Read your sentences aloud – if you feel you’re explaining the same thing twice, cut the fluff. 2. Overusing Adverbs (a.k.a. the “-ly” Crutch) We get it – your characters do things quickly, happily, or angrily. However, relying too much on adverbs can make your writing feel lazy. Show us the emotion or action instead of telling us. Example: Original: He walked quickly to the door. Edited: He rushed to the door, his shoes slapping against the hardwood floor. Fix It: Replace adverbs with vivid verbs or descriptions that bring the scene to life. 3. Dialogue Tags Gone Wild Ah, the dreaded overuse of fancy dialogue tags. We’re looking at you, “she exclaimed,” “he retorted,” and “they interjected.” While these are fine in moderation, sticking to simple “said” or “asked” keeps the focus on the dialogue itself. Example: Original: “I can’t believe this!” she exclaimed angrily. Edited: “I can’t believe this!” she said, her voice rising. Fix It: Use action and tone instead of over-the-top tags to convey emotion. Let your dialogue shine! 4. Sentence Structure That Never Changes Your writing can feel monotonous when all your sentences are the same length and structure. Short sentences. Long ones. It’s all about balance, my friends. Example: Original: He walked into the room. He looked around. He saw a chair. He sat down. Edited: He walked into the room, scanning it quickly. Spotting a chair in the corner, he sank into it with a sigh. Fix It: Mix it up! Vary sentence length and structure to keep your readers engaged. 5. Overcomplicating the Plot (a.k.a. the Kitchen Sink Syndrome) Sometimes, writers try to cram everything into one story—subplots, twists, side characters, and backstories galore. The result is a bloated, confusing narrative that leaves readers scratching their heads. Example: Imagine a murder mystery with a love triangle, a subplot about ancient treasure, and a villain with a secret twin. Phew. Too much, right? Fix It: Keep it focused. Ask yourself: does this element serve the main plot? If not, it’s time to let it go. Bonus Tip: Don’t Edit Alone!Even the best writers need a second pair of eyes. After your edits, get feedback from a trusted friend, critique partner, or professional editor. Fresh perspectives can catch things you might’ve missed. Wrapping It Up: Editing isn’t about tearing your story apart but making it the best version of itself. By avoiding these common mistakes (and learning to spot them in your own writing), you’ll take your story from “meh” to chef’s kiss. So, grab that red pen (or your favourite editing app) and start polishing! Do you have any editing horror stories or funny mistakes you’ve made? Share them in the comments—let’s commiserate together! If you've ever felt like a story was dragging or speeding by too fast, you know the importance of pacing. Dialogue is one powerful tool for controlling a story's rhythm. Dialogue can add tension, build momentum, and keep your readers hooked when used well. Let's explore how to use dialogue to enhance pacing and make your story flow just right.
Why Pacing Matters Pacing is the speed and rhythm of your story. It dictates how readers experience events, feel tension, and understand your characters. If your story moves too slowly, readers might lose interest. If it moves too fast, they may feel overwhelmed or miss crucial details. Dialogue is a great way to control pacing and ensure that each scene has the perfect tempo. 1. Use Quick Dialogue for Fast-Paced Scenes When you want to speed things up, keep the dialogue short and snappy. Fast-paced scenes can be shorter speeches or lighter descriptions. Instead, quick back-and-forth exchanges between characters build tension and momentum, making readers feel like they're right in the middle of the action. Example of Quick Dialogue for Fast Pacing: - "Did you see it?" - "Yeah. It's heading this way." - "What do we do?" - "Run." With each line, tension builds, and the reader's heart rate picks up. Quick dialogue like this is perfect for action scenes, arguments, or any moment when you want readers to feel a sense of urgency. 2. Slow It Down with Longer Conversations When it's time to slow down the pace, add more depth to your dialogue. Longer conversations allow characters to open up, share backstories, or reflect on recent events. This lets readers catch their breath and lets the story's emotional depth shine. Example of Slower-Paced Dialogue: - "I don't understand why you're doing this, Sarah." - "Maybe it's because… for once, I want something for myself. Not for anyone else." - "But we're in this together." - "Are we? Because it hasn't felt that way for a long time." This type of dialogue allows readers to explore the characters' emotions more deeply, slowing the pace in a meaningful way. 3. Let Subtext Create Tension Only some things need to be spelt out. Letting readers read between the lines can create a sense of intrigue, which keeps them turning pages. Dialogue with subtext is when characters don't say exactly what they mean, letting the unsaid words speak louder than what's actually being said. It's perfect for adding tension without speeding up the story too much. Example of Subtext in Dialogue: - "Are you going to the party tonight?" - "I wasn't invited." - "Since when has that stopped you?" There's a hint of tension, maybe even a conflict, without outright saying it. The subtext keeps the conversation subtle but intriguing, holding the reader's attention without moving too quickly. 4. Break Up Action with Dialogue Dialogue can be a great way to pace action-heavy scenes, giving readers moments to breathe amid intense sequences. A well-placed line of dialogue can also reveal a character's mindset in the middle of chaos, helping readers stay connected with the story's emotional stakes. Example of Dialogue in an Action Scene: - She sprinted down the hall, her breath ragged. - "Are you even keeping up?" she yelled over her shoulder. - "Barely," he gasped, stumbling over his own feet. In this example, the dialogue adds a pause within the action, allowing readers a split second to catch their breath without interrupting the flow of the scene. 5. Avoid Unnecessary Small Talk While dialogue can enhance pacing, it can also slow it down too much if filled with unnecessary chit-chat. Avoid dialogue that doesn't add anything to the story or reveal something about the characters. Stick to conversations that push the plot forward or deepen character relationships. Example of Unnecessary Small Talk: - "How's the weather been?" - "Not bad. A bit rainy." - "Yeah, it's been raining a lot." Instead, focus on what matters. Dialogue should serve a purpose, keeping the story on track and maintaining the right pacing. Personal Anecdote: Learning to Pace with Dialogue Early on, I needed help with pacing in my dialogue. One of my scenes was supposed to be tense, but I realised I'd bogged it down with long-winded conversations that didn't fit the moment. After feedback from a writing group, I learned to cut down on filler words and make each line purposeful. Now, I always consider my dialogue's pacing impact, whether aiming to speed things up or slow them down. Wrap-Up: Make Dialogue Work for Your Story's Pace Dialogue isn't just about what characters say—it's about how they say it and how it affects your story's rhythm. Using short exchanges to speed things up, allowing longer conversations to slow things down, and keeping each line purposeful, you can create dynamic dialogue that enhances your story's pacing. The next time you're writing a scene, consider how the dialogue impacts the pace and make adjustments to keep readers fully engaged. Do you have any pacing tips or favourite examples of well-paced dialogue? Drop them in the comments! |
James Field
Talvik, Norway You can also Find me on subscribe to get a free copy
Archives
August 2024
|