Brian McBride is a Christian blogger, writer, and published author of a high fantasy novel geared toward the young-adult crowd. He is a musician, artist, and amateur photographer. He has recently started his third "official" novel, which is book three in The Starcrafters' Sagaand is editing book two. He writes fantasy, horror, dystopian, and science fiction of all sorts. You can find him on Facebook, his blog, Twitter, and Goodreads!
What is one thing that we can all agree makes reading a book worthwhile? That’s right, the book’s ending. What kind of book ends with the main character (MC) eating a bowl of cereal? I’ll tell you what kind, one that isn’t very interesting. Although, that kind of ending could be interesting if it is written properly.
I want to show you some ways that you can create an epic final (of epic proportions).
1. Utilize Cliffhangers.
A great cliffhanger makes a great story and it also makes you want to come back for more. If you loved the story, but there was a purposeful cliffhanger, then you’ll likely anticipate the sequel. Falling Kingdoms by Morgan Rhodes and Insurgent by Veronica Roth used the “cliffhanger method” perfectly.
In Falling Kingdoms, you think everything is fine, that the story is wrapping up, then BAM! The MC is kidnapped. What kind of author does that?! A great author!
In Inurgent, Veronica Roth made you think the story was over, but then she did a major plot twist that sets the reader up for book three, Allegiant. (Can’t wait for that one, by the way!)
This brings me to my second point.
2. Utilize Plot Twists.
As I said a few paragraphs ago, Veronica Roth introduced a major plot twist at the end of Insurgent which has caused me to be unable to wait until book three comes out.
So why don’t YOU put a plot twist at or near your book’s finale? If you write the plot twist into the story correctly, what could go wrong?
3. Follow the “BAM Principle”.
The “BAM Principle” is what I call it, and not just because BAM are the initials for my first, middle, and last name. ;) The “BAM Principle” applies best to any action/adventure genre (fantasy, sci-fi, contemporary, etc…) Basically it’s the principle that your story must end with a BAM! Or a BANG! if you will.
Though this applies best to stories with some sort of action/adventure theme, it can also apply to contemporary inspirational, drama, etc…
If you are a writer of a contemporary story and you want to end your story with the “BAM Principle”, here are a few tips:
1 – Make your characters so likeable and relatable that the reader wants to come back for more.
2 – If your character is undergoing emotional/physical/mental/spiritual turmoil throughout the storyline, resolve the ending in such a way that the reader is entranced and they don’t want the story to end.
3 – Just when the reader thinks the plot has been resolved, insert another short climax, one that can be resolved in a page… or five.
And now, here are some tips for using the “BAM Principle” in your action/adventure story:
1 – Make your characters so likeable and relatable that the reader wants to come back for more.
2 – If your character is undergoing emotional/physical/mental/spiritual turmoil throughout the storyline, resolve the ending in such a way that the reader is entranced and they don’t want the story to end.
3 – Just when the reader thinks the plot has been resolved, insert another short climax, one that can be resolved in a page… or five.
4 – If you write fantasy, don’t forget that ever-so-cliché battle scene. Because even if it is ever-so-cliché, it is still one of the most-anticipated scenes of epicness in a fantasy story.
5 – Reveal a secret at the end of the story that makes way for a sequel.
6 – DON’T answer all questions. Leave a few loose ends, but do it in an intriguing way, not an annoying way.
Well, there you have it, ladies and gents! A few pointers on creating an epic finale of epic proportions.
If you have any questions, feel free to comment below!
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