Here are my last four ways to end an article, story, or book chapter. Of course you may come up with others, and that is fine. I just want you to think of different ways to conclude an article or story. You don’t want the readers turning the page at the end and expecting more. You want to bring what you have written in your article to a logical conclusion. However, in writing books, you want them to turn the page and continue onto the next chapter.
9. The Summary Close – This ending attempts to cover the highlights of the story or to tie up all the loose ends.
“How wrong my first impression had been. I was aware that God planned that therapeutic evening. He knew I would run out of wood, and although I hadn’t specifically asked Him for more, He provided anyhow” (“A Surprise Encounter,” Rest Stops for Single Mothers).
10. The Straight Statement Close – This editorial close consists of a few sentences or a final thought in the author’s own words.
“I needed to allow others to be themselves. When I dated someone, I tried to accept him for who he was—not for who I wanted him to be. Through this time, I always felt God had someone special planned for me. When I was ready, and my ‘Mr. Perfect’ was ready, God would allow us to meet” (“Turning Frogs into Princes,” Rest Stops for Single Mothers).
11. The Stinger – This unexpected conclusion provides an ending that startles, surprises, or shocks.
“Elbows jabbed their ribs; feet tangled with theirs; the unrelenting mob moved on until they came to the place where the old man lay. Bending down, they touched the old man’s arm, now grown cold. They were too late” (“Too Little, Too Late,” Potpourri of Praise).
12. The Word of Advice Close – This warning or word of advice points a verbal finger at the reader.
“Loving too much leaves us open to the danger of being hurt, but loving too little can cause us to forget how to love and forget how to live” (“Loving Too Little, Loving Too Much,” Rest Stops for Single Mothers).
Whatever ending you chose, give your article or story a solid conclusion. Don’t just let your story die. Provide your readers with food for thought that they can digest and use in their own lives to help others and themselves move closer to the Lord. After all, that is why we are writing.