A good way to end your novel is to bring it full circle. If you started with a certain theme or image, bring it back in the end. For instance, if your story began with a character looking at an old oak tree in their childhood yard, end with them coming back to that same tree as an adult and reflecting on how far they've come. Also, avoid introducing new major elements at the very end. It can be really jarring for the reader.
When ending your novel, consider the tone you want to leave the reader with. If it's a mystery novel, you might want to end with a sense of satisfaction that the mystery is solved. For a more melancholy story, a bittersweet ending could work well. You could have the main character achieve their goal but at a great personal cost. It's all about matching the ending to the overall feel of the story.
One way is to think about the character's growth. If your character has been on a journey of self - discovery, the ending could be them fully realizing their potential or changing for the better. For example, in a coming - of - age story, the protagonist might finally understand what they truly want in life at the end.
Use a fade - out effect if available. It gives a smooth ending to your story.
One way is to tie up all the major plot lines. For example, if your story is about a detective solving a mystery, the end should reveal who the culprit is and how the detective figured it out. Another tip is to consider the character arcs. If your main character has been on a journey of self - discovery, the end should show how they've changed. Also, think about the overall theme. If your theme is about the power of love, the end might show love triumphing in some way.
One tip is to consider the character's personality. For example, if the character is brave, you could choose a name that has a strong or heroic sound, like Alexander or Valkyrie. Another idea is to use names with cultural significance related to the story's setting. If it's a story set in Japan, names like Hiroshi or Sakura might be appropriate. You can also look at the character's role in the story. A villain might have a name that sounds menacing, such as Draven or Malice.
Well, when plotting your first novel, you should do a lot of brainstorming. Jot down all the ideas that come to your mind, no matter how crazy they seem at first. Then, start organizing these ideas. You could use a mind map to connect different concepts. Another important aspect is to research your setting if it's a real - world location or a fictional world that needs some grounding in reality. This will add depth to your story.
Begin with an action - like a young hero being chased by a terrifying, otherworldly creature. It hooks the reader as they wonder what the hero did to be in such a perilous situation and if they will escape. You can also start with a thought - a character's deep longing or a strange premonition. Say, a wizard has a feeling that a great darkness is about to descend upon the land. This creates intrigue and makes the reader want to find out more.
First, find an idea that really excites you. It could be a unique character, an interesting setting, or a thrilling plot. Then, do some basic research if needed. For example, if your story is set in a historical period, learn about the customs and events of that time. Next, create an outline. This doesn't have to be super detailed, but it should map out the main events in your story. Also, don't worry too much about making it perfect at the start. Just start writing and let the ideas flow.
You could use the names of the main characters. For example, if the hero is named Jack and the heroine is named Rose, a title like 'Jack and Rose's Love Story' can be very straightforward and engaging. It gives readers an immediate idea of who the story is about.
One way to end a short story is with a twist. For example, in a mystery short story, the main character who has been chasing the wrong suspect all along suddenly realizes that the person closest to them is the real culprit. It leaves the reader shocked and makes them think back over the whole story.
You can add more sub - plots. Sub - plots can enrich the story and naturally increase the word count. For instance, if your main plot is about a detective solving a murder case, you could add a sub - plot about the detective's troubled relationship with his family. Also, use more dialogue. Let your characters have in - depth conversations that reveal their personalities, motives, and the story's themes. This can make the story more engaging while also adding to the word count.