Don’t you hate it when a book or movie you’re reading/watching ends abruptly? You were hoping for a final wrap scene where the characters exchange a few more words or show their triumph? On TV recently, I watched Bollywood Hero. I liked the ending wherein the hero, in a lead action role for the first time, realizes that his strength as a comedian is what makes him special. He wins the girl, too, but I was waiting for the moment when he’d stride out on stage at his movie’s premiere to everyone’s applause. The film cut off before that, or at least, my DVR did. So while I was satisfied, another minute or so would have given me full emotional completion.

This is why I usually have what I call the "wrap scene" at the end of my stories. The mystery is solved, the heroine has learned whatever she is supposed to for her character arc. But I like a bit of interplay between my characters at the end. Remember the original Star Trek? If you recall the final words exchanged between Kirk, Spock, and McCoy at the end of each episode, you’ll know what I mean. Often it was a humorous dialogue with endearing characters that left us with a smile.

It’s even worse when a series ends abruptly. This happens when a TV show gets cancelled or an author gets dropped by her publisher. Re the latter, it’s not her fault, but readers may vent their frustration. On the other hand, an author who brings her series to a satisfying and happy conclusion will have me looking for her next book. Elizabeth Moon is one author who stands out in my mind for finishing her series with a happy ending. Stargate Atlantis did the same thing, ending on an upbeat note with all the characters gazing off to the horizon with hints at their romantic pairings.

Maybe this is the key: Plan the finale from the start. Limit the series, so you know where the arc is going and for how many installments. The other possibility is to write a short story with your characters to continue their adventures or tell your fans what’s happened to them, perhaps for an Ezine or a free download from your website. Clever authors may even have their characters create a blog. Or if you feel strongly enough about it, conclude the last book in your series and worry about where to publish it later.  Which option works for you?

My website might be down briefly this week. I'm switching to a new design which is amazingly beautiful and I hope aptly represents my author brand (you tell me). It'll need some further work while I learn how to do updates, but I hope you'll tell me your opinion. If any of you have my old actual website URL, please switch it to: http://nancyjcohen.com

As a reader and a viewer, I definitely feel cheated when this happens. Publishers and networks should be more considerate of fans' feelings.

Love your new website! :)

I agree re pubs and networks. Re new website, yikes, now I have to learn how to manage it myself.

Love your new site -- and so right about wrapping things up. Those bits at the end of Star Trek were the best! I can't recall what specific show had that feature when my brother and I were kids, but I do remember arguing with my parents who would say, "it's over" once the main story ended and that last commercial came on. We would say, "No, it's not over. There's still that 'little end.'"