Writer's Workshop - Launch Lesson 8
Stories need to have a resolution. It is important that you write a strong closing that satisfies your reader. Today we will learn how writers create strong endings for their stories. Writers not only craft engaging beginnings, but also endings that have an effect on the reader.
We are going to discuss three ways that writers craft endings that have an impact on their reader. These include action, dialog, and creating a final mental image that remains in the reader’s mind. It is important that the ending fits with the big idea or heart message you are trying to get across to your reader. Remember, the ending will be the last part of your story that is read and the last memory the reader will have of your story.
So let’s look at how a great writer has crafted their ending.
Your Name in Gold
Anne sat at the breakfast table, eating her cornflakes and reading the print on the cereal box in front of her. "Tastee Cornflakes-Great New Offer!" the box read. "See back of box for details."
Anne's older sister, Mary, sat across from her, reading the other side of the cereal box. "Hey, Anne," she said, "look at this awesome prize-your name in gold."
As Mary read on, Anne's interest in the prize grew. "Just send in one dollar with proof-of-purchase seal from this box and spell out your first name on the information blank. We will send you a special pin with your name spelled in gold. (Only one per family, please.)"
Anne grabbed the box and looked on the back, her eyes brightening with excitement. The name Jennifer was spelled out in sparking gold. "That's a neat idea," she said. "A pin with my very own name spelled out in gold. I'm going to send in for it."
"Sorry, Anne, I saw it first," said Mary, "so I get first dibs on it. Besides, you don't have a dollar to send in, and I do."
"But I want a pin like that so badly," said Anne. "Please let me have it!" "Nope," said her sister.
"You always get your way-just because you're older than me," said Anne, her lower lip trembling as her eyes filled with tears. "Just go ahead and send in for it. See if I care!" She threw down her spoon and ran from the kitchen.
Several weeks passed. One day the mailman brought a small package addressed to Mary. Anne was dying to see the pin, but she wouldn't let Mary know how eager she was. Mary took the package to her room. Anne casually followed her in and sat on the bed.
"Well, I guess they sent you your pin. I sure hope you like it," Anne said in a mean voice. Mary slowly took the paper off the package. She openea little white box and carefully lifted off the top layer of white cotton. "Oh, it's beautiful!" Mary said. "Just like the cereal box said, your name in gold. Four beautiful letters. Would you like to see it, Anne?"
"No, I don't care about your dumb old pin."
Mary put the white box on the dresser and went downstairs.
Anne was alone in the bedroom. Soon she couldn't wait any longer, so she walked over to the dresser. As she looked in the small white box, she gasped. Mixed feelings of love for her sister and shame at herself welled up within her, and the pin became a sparkling gold blur through her tears.
There on the pin were four beautiful letters-her name in gold: A-N-N-E.
Theis ending helps the reader very clearly picture the final moment. It helps us understand the message behind this story. A good ending captures the real reason why you wrote the story. The ending brings a story to a close. Like the final scene in a movie, it is the last thing you remember.
Let's try it. Look at the ending of your seed story (maybe you haven't written the end yet. That is okay.) If you did, did you do a great job? Use this strategy to improve your ending or to write an ending. Try writing more than one and see which one works best.