When you've finished the beginning and middle of your story, you face yet another choice. You have three options to choose from: Happily, Tragically, or Not At All. Let me explain.
Happily:
The guy gets the girl. They get married, the dead person isn't really dead, the bad guy gets what he deserves, and everyone is happy.
Tragically:
The guy doesn't get the girl. Actually, no one gets the girl because she dies. The guy is so distraught that he kills himself. The bad guy triumphs and you become the author of a classic.
Not At All:
You end the story right there. There is no resolution to the conflict. The story is seemingly put on pause as you type "The End". Tip: these books are rarely published or bought.
I suggest one of the top two. Of course, you can mix them. The bad guy escapes but the guy and girl live happily ever after. The bad guy is caught but the hero and girl never see each other again. Whatever way you end it, remember to tie up any loose ends (even leaving the reader hanging can be tying up knots). We don't want to close the book with the hero dangling over the precipice, unless there is a sequel (in which case that might be a very good idea). Let me know which ending you use!
May your pens stay sharp!
*Evyn
