Novel Endings

In this class, students will be completing a novel already started, usually in Novel Beginnings and Novel Middles. They will learn how to structure the resolution, how to address the main conflict and climax, and avoid being too pat while also giving the reader a sense of satisfaction and inevitability in the conclusion.

Week 1: Climax and Beyond
The beginning of the end. Addresses the first pages around and after the climax. Draw to a conclusion elements foreshadowed earlier in the novel.
Read: Chapter 8 of "Great Gatsby"
Write: Pages of your novel toward the end.

Week 2: Closure
Closure of ploy "loops" opened earlier.
Character arc completed, showing the change in the protagonist directly related to the major story conflict.
Read: Continue Chapter 8 "The Great Gatsby"
Write: Next pages of your novel.

Week 3: Denouement
Final untying of the plot complications, revelations of secrets, solving of puzzles or mysteries raised earlier
Read: Chapter 9 "The Great Gatsby"
Write: next pages of your novel


Week 4:Wrapping it All Up
Wrapping it up: Providing a sense of satisfaction without being pat. Leaving some plot threads uncut and "dangling," as in life (or to provide potential for a sequel).
Read: continue chapter 9
Write: next/final pages of your novel.





Instructor: Stacia Ann

About The Instructor: Stacia Ann is an Linguistics Lecturer and Writing Instructor at the University of California. She has a doctorate of Education, Master's of Art in English/TESOL. This instructor has taught writing classes for over ten years. She also teaches academic writing and English as a Second Language at the University of the Pacific. A published author including works of short fiction and academic nonfiction including contest winning stories.