8 Types of Endings that make Readers say, “I Wasted My Time"

Summary

Key Points

• A rushed ending can be disappointing for readers, who expect a satisfying conclusion after investing time in a long book, as seen in the example of the Game of Thrones television series. 0:41
• Having an outside force save the day can be unsatisfying, as it undermines the agency of the main character, such as in Stephen King's novel The Stand, where God intervenes to solve the problem. 2:23
• Ending a story in the middle, without providing a sense of resolution or conclusion, can leave readers feeling cheated, as in the example of The Last Cruise by Kate Christensen. 3:58
• Authors should take the time to craft a satisfying and well-earned ending, avoiding common pitfalls and ensuring that the conclusion is consistent with the tone and style of the rest of the book. 6:35
• Changing topics or genre in the ending can feel like a betrayal to readers, who expect a consistent tone and style throughout the book, as seen in The Bone Clocks by David Mitchell. 6:49
• An unearned happy ending can be unbelievable and unsatisfying, and authors should ensure that the ending is earned through the characters' actions and struggles, rather than relying on coincidences or convenience. 8:26
• Using the 'it was all a dream' trope can be frustrating for readers, as it invalidates their emotional investment in the story and undermines the consequences of the characters' actions, with few exceptions, such as in Alice in Wonderland. 10:06
• Unsolved mysteries can be problematic, as they may leave readers feeling unsatisfied, but can work in certain contexts, such as in literary novels or when the mystery is partially solved, as in Tana French's In the Woods. 13:31
• Predictable endings can be disappointing, and authors should strive to create endings that are both inevitable and surprising, as seen in examples like Agatha Christie's Murder on the Orient Express and George Orwell's 1984. 14:45