Do you write cliffhangers to end your stories? Are they a turn-off to you as a writer or reader?

Insecure Writers Want to Know

I don’t mind a series that has an overall larger story arc, think Harry Potter here. But I don’t enjoy a “soap opera” type story that doesn’t seem to end. I believe each story plot or book needs to have a satisfying arc and a concrete ending to it. So, I guess I don’t like cliffhangers at the end of a book.

This doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t plant questions in the reader’s mind about what might happen in the future for this world or situation you have created. Just don’t leave the reader with “Oh my gosh! When is that bomb going off?” or “Did Alan survive the car crash?”

If a story is well written and the characters are intriguing, the reader will want to see what happens next in their lives. Readers will understand there is more to the story situation. It’s not over yet. [Voldemort will come back!]

Story creation is not just about leaving a cliffhanger at the end of a book to entice readers to buy the next book. Leaving cliffhangers at the end of chapters, however, is encouraged. In story, we want to engage the reader, and have him truly care about our characters and want to read more about a particular situation or world.

Is this easy to do? Absolutely not! Not that I have written any novel-length sagas, but I know story. I know what I enjoy reading. I guess you’ve realized by now I don’t necessarily enjoy literary stories. I read plenty in college. I want an internal AND an external struggle. I love to see how the writer combines all the story threads into a satisfying and solid ending. How about you? Do you like cliffhangers at the end of a book? 

I sold another essay to Business Insider about the importance of carrying enough water when backpacking the Appalachian Trail with children. I’ll let you know when it is live.

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This post was written for the Insecure Writer’s Support Group. I’d like to thank our co-hosts for December: Ronel, Deniz, Pat Garcia, Olga Godim, and Cathrina Constantine! Please visit them if you can.

Our group posts on the first Wednesday of every month. To join us, or learn more about the group, click HERE. 

Merry Christmas to all, and to all happy writing. May your holiday be filled with family and friends, music and celebrations. Enjoy your holiday!