Nail Your Ending

🧠 REFLECTION PROMPTS

🌀 Cause & Effect Tracker

Review your story from beginning to end. For each major plot event, ask:

• What caused this to happen?

• What decision led here?

• What changed because of it?

If you find scenes that happen just because — with no clear lead-in or fallout — mark them. These may need stronger connections to your character’s arc or prior events.

🌟 The Inevitable Ending Test

Even if your ending has a twist, it should still feel earned. Ask yourself:

• When the reader finishes your book, will they say:
  🗨️ “I didn’t see that coming… but wow, it makes perfect sense”?

• What pieces have you planted earlier that make this ending possible — or even inevitable?

• Are there moments you could foreshadow or hint at earlier to strengthen that payoff?

🏁 Ending vs. Stopping

An ending feels like a conclusion. A stop feels like the story just ran out of gas.

• Does your final chapter resolve the emotional arc?

• Is there at least a beat of reflection or change before the last page?

• Have you shown how the character is different from who they were at the start?

✍️ WRITING EXERCISES

1. The Domino Map

Write out a quick list of your 8–10 biggest plot points in order. Now draw arrows or notes explaining what caused each one. If the connection feels weak, brainstorm a stronger throughline.

2. The “Moment After”

Write a short scene that happens immediately after your book ends. It won’t go in the story — but it can help you see what emotional note you’re leaving your reader with.
Did the story really end? Or just stop?

3. Alternative Endings

Just for fun (and clarity!), write two alternate endings:

• One that’s too rushed

• One that’s too drawn-out

Compare them to your current ending. What does your version do better? Where could it improve?