My writing students are at that point in the term where we're working on conclusion. They have mastered introductions, theses, and the body of essays. Now we're tying it all together.
From years of teaching writing, I know this is tricky. But it's also important, I emphasize, because it's the impression that stays with the reader (or, in their cases, the grader).
But from editing thousands of papers, from reading magazines, and critiquing books, I've happened upon something interesting. There are only so many ways to end.
Honestly.
It seems pretty formulaic.
Take, for example, David Wroblewski's all-the-rage The Story of Edgar Sawtelle. This tale ends with a choice.
Laurie Halse Anderson's Chains? With a quote. Donna Tartt's The Secret History? A journey.
Here are a few other kinds of conclusions I've found: imagery; a summary or revisitation; a question, a lesson, or what the future might bring; hope; a call-to-action. Lots of conclusions fit into more than one category. On Thursday, we found the last sentence of a short story that used five.
Me, I seem stuck in the same kind of conclusion: a peek into the future through imagery.
I might try something for else for my next book, if I ever write another. Because my problem isn't wrapping it up. Like Eve Porinchak, it's how to begin.
(Wah Hoo! My first link!!!)
3 comments:
Hey, that's a good list of conclusions! Your blog might be my next classroom poster!
See you Weds
Julie
Hey there, Sweetie! You linked to me. Thanks!
Isn't deciding on a beginning almost near impossible. No joke, it's taken me 2 YEARS to finally come up with a beginning to this novel that I'm happy with. Think I've finally done it...hooray!
And please say you will write more books! It would be tragic if you didn't.
xo
Julie, I'd love to add to my list, if your students come up with anything.
So good hearing from you, Eve!
Can't wait to read the book with the awesome beginning! Send it to me!
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