Endings that Make Readers Swoon Have you ever read a book played a game or watched a movie that you were totally enthralled with that ended up having a disappointing ending Obviously the last thing you want to do is make your readers angry when they get to the ending of your story You want ID: 562556
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Session 10-Writing Endings that Make Readers Swoon
Have you ever read a book, played a game or watched a movie that you were totally enthralled with that ended up having a disappointing ending???
Obviously, the last thing you want to do is make your readers angry when they get to the ending of your story! You want them to be satisfied and swoon-make them count the days until they can read something else you’ve written.Slide2
Teaching Point-
Today I want to teach you that writers take their time with endings, weighing and considering and revising until they find one that fits. They know a satisfying ending will tie up loose ends, resolve the unresolved difficulties, and bring home the story’s meaning.Slide3
Remember!!!
When you were little-around five or six- you probably did what most little kids do and you probably ended your story with “THE END!”
As you got older, maybe third or fourth grade you knew you couldn’t end your stories this way. You started adding a final action to your stories, but they were often something plopped in-something magical or unbelievable
You are more than ready to move beyond “The End” ending to the stories you’re writing. You must leave your reader satisfied with the actions of the main character!Slide4
Principles for Crafting Good Endings for Fictional Narrative-Handout
Keep in mind what your story is REALLY about and make sure the ending helps to show that.
Pay attention to the structure of the story and make sure the ending fits the arc.
Has the character evolved?
How has the plot developed?
Ensure that all loose ends are tied up.Slide5
Video Clip with a Satisfying, Quality Ending
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
As you watch, I want you to think with me about the ending. If you recognize some of the strategies from the slide before, notice which specific ones were used!
Just a quick reminder: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone is the first book and movie in the series. At the start of it, Harry lives with his aunt, uncle and cousin Dudley, relatives who treat him unkindly. Under Professor Dumbledore’s orders, Hagrid takes Harry to Hogwarts (School of Witchcraft and Wizardry), where Harry befriends Hermione and Ron. Together, the friends get involved in a mysterious battle with Voldemort, who is acting through a Hogwarts teacher to get at the Sorcerer’s Stone. Slide6
Turn and Talk
What did you notice? Quickly turn and discuss what made this ending so powerful.Slide7
You should have noticed…
It captures the connection between Harry and his family and between Harry and his friends
Shows the power of love
He was confident and happy
He evolved from the miserable kid he was at the start!
It addresses the fact that he had something now that he had only wanted before!
Knowledge of his parents, Hagrid’s photo shows this
***It also wraps up the same way it started-on the train!
***It also provides resolution because he is loved, which he wasn’t at the Dursley’s.
***We also can tell that his parents love is with him always through the photo album.
-Not all the problem’s are solved, but there is a satisfying feeling of closure still.Slide8
To sum it up…
See how finely crafted stories have finely crafted endings? Every single decision surrounding this final scene was carefully made with consideration for wrapping things up-for bringing the character and plot to the end of their arc, for bringing out the story’s message, and for giving the viewer a satisfying conclusion.Slide9Slide10
Volunteer to Share?
What do you think of that suggested ending? Does it address or resolve Esmeralda’s need to do the right thing? Does it link to her desire to be popular? Does it show that she’s changed internally?Slide11
Active Engagement
Generate possible endings for the class story (Esmeralda), bearing in mind the “Principles of Crafting Quality Endings for Fictional Narratives” handout.
Keep in mind, it should address the fact that she wants to do the right thing, but she also desires to be more popular.
Work with your partner to craft an ending! Jot it in your writers notebook.Slide12
Update your anchor chart!
How to Write Compelling Fiction
Finish strong-make sure the ending shows what the story is really about, fits the story arc, ties up loose ends.Slide13
You are all at different places…
This is fine!
Some of you may begin to write the first draft of your endings today, and others will do this tomorrow.
No matter where you are in your work, when you get to your story’s ending, remember that writers always consider whether an ending matches the story. They look for solutions and resolutions that come from the grit.
Endings matter! As you work on your own, think about the endings we analyzed and the endings you like from books and movies and pull inspiration from there.Slide14
Homework:
Finish drafting your story for tomorrow!
Draft an
ending or two for your story
!
Be ready to start editing your
piece tomorrow!