Looney Tunes
It isn’t easy coming to the end, which is something I’ve certainly been saying since I finished writing Legends of Windemere: Warlord of the Forgotten Age. So, let’s go over some tips for those that are coming up on the same milestone. Warning: There is no promise of tips working because every journey is different. If there are any failures, we will assign you the proper scapegoat for free.
- Actually have an ending. I know it sounds strange, but there series out there with nothing. The whole thing simply ends with no real conclusion as if the author simply feel asleep on a comfy pillow. You might think it’s done, but everyone else is waiting for the other shoe to drop. Even if it isn’t a final battle, at least show the hero realizing they left a wild boar in the crock pot and should probably see if it’s done.
- Brace yourself for the flood of emotions by keeping tissues nearby and possibly a comfy pillow. Too manly to cry? Then get a keg and celebrate your accomplishment, which will result in you getting beer on the computer. Now, you have to write that final book all over again because you forgot to back it up. Oh, you want to cry now? Well, get your own tissues and comfy pillow, buddy.
- Don’t go over the ending over a hundred times because you swear something is wrong with it. A few times or even double digits makes some sense since things are never right on the first shot. Once you reach triple digits, you need to stop. Want to know what’s wrong with the ending? It’s an ending and you’re having trouble letting go, which is natural. Have a pint of ice cream and a comfy pillow.
- Try to have some idea of how things will end before you get there. Many series get derailed or fall into filler books because the author isn’t sure what the endgame is supposed to be. You don’t even need one. There could be multiple possibilities that get narrowed down to a single choice as the series proceeds. This might feel more like a plotter than a pantser tip, but flying without a map can only get you so far. At some point, you need to sit down on your comfy pillow and think of a conclusion even if it’s an hour before you write it. Don’t forget for it to make sense too.
- Curl up with your comfy pillow and research how other authors finished off their books. If you’re a fantasy author, watch LOTR and get an idea of multiple ending types in one sitting.
- Create a poll on your blog and see what people think of your various finale ideas. It will be a few hours later that you realize you just spoiled the entire book if you use anything on that list. After screaming into your comfy pillow, you check the poll to see everyone has picked the option that was you accidentally writing down your Taco Bell order as you yelled it to your wife. For the next week, you examine all of your books to figure out why people would prefer the whole thing ends with a Supreme Burrito, Cinnamon Twists, and two crunchy chicken tacos.
- Take up an entire wall of your room with character names, events, locations, and items that have played a part in the series. Connect everything with string where each color means something different. Spend weeks searching for patterns and foreshadowing that require attention. There shall be no loose ends and plot holes in your glorious finale. Continue going over your notes and forgetting to sleep since authors are notorious for getting great ideas just before passing out. One day, the perfect ending will click and you’ll be ready to write it. All you need to do now is convince the men in white coats to let you out of the room with comfy pillows on the walls.
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Legends of Windemere 
Congratulations on ending the series!
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Thanks.
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A milestone, for sure. Great post and I shared.
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Thanks. Though, I can’t wait for the milestone actually be a reality.
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What a fun post although I know there is a ton of emotion in ending a series. Especially one as long as this. Too manly to cry? I loved the beer idea which will get those tears rolling in no time.
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The crying thing came from seeing people complain about male characters crying. Seems many still believe that men shouldn’t show emotions.
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I’m glad no one sees me sometimes then.
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Eh, crying is a natural release. If it happens in public then there’s probably a good reason. Be lying if I said it never happened to me.
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I’ve taken to using comfy pillows behind my back. Maybe I’m ready to tackle a series.
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Trilogies are always in style. 😉 Hope the comfy pillow is helping.
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I’m fully prepared to cry at the end of your series. I usually cry at the end of series. So I can understand the emotion you feel at the end of your series. Who wouldn’t feel that way? These are dearly loved characters! Congrats on reaching such a huge milestone!
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Thanks. Honestly, I teared up whenever I went over the story. Similar to one of the big events in ‘Ritual of the Lost Lamb’, but this felt different. It really was like saying good-bye.
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I’m sure those are great tips, but I’d really like to know how you escaped the padded cell… I bet that’s a novel right there, lol.
Honestly, congratulations on reaching the milestone, I think it’s safe to say you have a lot of people looking forward to your next project too.
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Who said I escaped? Maybe everyone is in the padded cell with me. Hope the final book and next project are well received.
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Well if this is a padded cell, the pads are awfully worn out. I’m looking forward to catching up with the books I’ve missed and your next one.
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Can’t afford replacement pads. Best we can do is patch them with beanie babies and duct tape.
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Note to self – get a comfy pillow – STAT 😳
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Never a bad thing.
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I think #4 is really important. In fact, when I get stuck in a story it’s usually because I don’t know where the plot is going.
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Oddly enough, it seems to be an overlooked concept. I’ve heard of a lot of authors going in without a plan.
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Reblogged this on Chris The Story Reading Ape's Blog and commented:
AND a comfy pillow 😄
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Thanks. Glad you enjoyed it.
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Yep 👍😃
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Great tips!
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Thanks. 🙂
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Comfy pillows feature rather prominently here. And now I want a burrito.
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Burrito sounds good, but I’m on a liquid diet until tomorrow night. Not fun. At lead I have a comfy pillow.
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The health issue?
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Yeah. 😭
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Everything went OK, then?
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Haven’t gone yet. Heading out soon.
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I wish you best of luck!
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Thanks. Just got home. Feeling out of it, but nothing major found.
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Super-glad to hear it 🙂
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Reblogged this on Writer's Treasure Chest and commented:
Charles Yallowitz provides us with 7 tips to ending a series which to me is an extremely important and interesting post to read since I am currently writing on a series. Thank you very much Charles
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Thanks for the reblog.
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It’s my pleasure Charles!
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