ID 59228595 © 22tomtom | Dreamstime.com
“Tie up all the loose ends.” Conventional wisdom for completing a story, right?
Nope, do not do this. Yes, a plotline, or book, or even a series is ending, but life is messy. Fiction, being a mirror of life, also is messy. Tie up MOST of the loose ends, but leave room. Leave room for fanfic, for “what happens next,” for short stories and “what ifs?“. Maybe even another series.
Tidied up the loose ends, but don’t tie them up.
Have a climax, then ease your reader out of the story by hinting life continues on. Just like at the beginning of the story, when “the normal” is established. The ending has the new normal, just a bit. Maybe a chapter.
But don’t go – this person got a job, and this person had a baby, and this weapon was lost to time, but this weapon is passed down for generations.
Not every question needs answering. Clear out the gore and emotions. Tidied up the tears, and show life continues.
But do NOT tie up everything like a Christmas Turkey complete with a bow. Don’t cook the ending until every last bit of juice is out of the meat of the story.
Don’t tie up all the loose ends.