Eureka!
Posted on January 21st, 2011
This morning, as I was taking a shower, it came to me:Â the perfect ending for The Caldarian Conflict.
I’ve been struggling with how to end the story. I knew where each character would end up, of course, but I was struggling on which note to leave the reader on.
That’s when I realized that I could add one last twist. A sudden revelation that (hopefully) will cause the reader to reconsider everything that came before. A final flourish, if you will, before the reader is left standing dazed and in wonder. With any luck, also desperately in need of the next book.
Assuming I could pull it off, of course.
I shouted “Eureka!” and considered following in the steps of Archimedes. Since it’s currently -20 F here in Minnesota, I decided that I’d settle for getting dressed and dashing past my cats on my way downstairs. Ever curious, they followed me down to watch me eagerly type away at my computer over the course of an hour.
Unfortunately, they didn’t share my continued excitement. They’re now both asleep.
I won’t post the ending here, of course, but wanted to share this special moment with my writing friends. I’m sure you understand.
Very exciting Mike! I’m still waiting for that moment with my novel. Right now I have an ending planned, but I don’t love it. I’m hoping that something forms organically or I have a eureka moment as well!
You might want to check out my upcoming article in the MWA newsletter. I talk a bit about problems with conclusions, and you might find some good help there. I’ll post a link in a new blog entry once the newsletter is released.
@Mike Kalmbach
I will definitely check it out! I’m on the list.
Excellent, Danielle! I’m glad to hear it. Let me know what you think, and if it helps you with your ending!