What are the steps to writing an effective story conclusion?

Consider your conclusion as the dessert of a four-course meal. A dessert is ideally something that is had at the end, a small amount, but leaving you feeling fulfilled. Now, that's exactly what a conclusion should be like - a brief review of everything you have covered in your story or write-up or novel - a holistic approach that leaves a lasting impact on the reader. In the conclusion, add those points that you have subtly highlighted throughout the story or write-up and make a compelling case-in-point. If the introduction is what hooks your readers to your content, the conclusion is something that converts them into a loyal audience who now believes in your authenticity and will come back for more.

If we go back and read,and reread, Abraham Lincoln’s speech at Gettysburg on November 19,1863, we will find the answer. “…and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from this earth.” The language is heavenly, concise, a call for action, a distillation of the speech’s ideas and storylines. The conclusion must be uplifting, emotionally charged, and must be linked to the beginning of the story. Like life itself: a four seasons affair. A full circle, that is…!

To write a great story conclusion, focus on resolving the main conflict and showcasing character growth. Avoid introducing new elements and provide closure to subplots.

Don't give up! And don't wrap it up in a bow. Surprise us. We don't need to be told why, or how, or what it all means. We're not idiots. A conclusion should feel inevitable, but strange.

First: Introspect whether you are writing for fun or for a living. If you are writing for fun, you can afford mistakes and try risky, novel, unprecedented experiments. If you want to make a living out of writing and don't have any cash reserves to fall back on in case your story goes south, it might literally pay to stick to the straight and the narrow.

In crafting a compelling story conclusion, it's crucial to vividly depict the consequences arising from the resolved conflict. Showcase how the characters' actions and choices have tangible effects on their lives and the world around them.

Delve into how the characters have changed, what they've learned, and how their experiences have shaped them. This provides a sense of closure and fulfillment for readers invested in the character arcs.

A story has conflicts, tensions, questions. To conclude the story, effectively resolve all of these. Conflicts and tensions must end one way or the other. All questions raised must be answered. If your story is standalone, stop here. You can add a flavor of intrigue if you plan to continue the story as a series, a hint to the next happenings. If your story is a mystery or a thriller, you can add a final unexpected twist at the end of the conclusion.

In concluding your story, it's essential to provide closure by addressing lingering questions, tying up loose ends, and offering a sense of resolution to the main plot and subplots.

The conclusion should provide a sense of closure by resolving the main conflict that has been driving the story. This doesn't necessarily mean providing a neat and tidy solution, but it should offer a clear understanding of how the characters and circumstances have been affected by the conflict.

The closing line is your last chance to leave a lasting impression. Craft a line that encapsulates the essence of your story, sparks emotion, or lingers in the reader's mind. A memorable closing line can elevate the entire conclusion.

A mysterious ending or an open-minded conclusion is a great way to end a story, the chapter of a book or a blog post. Now that your readers have had a taste of your work, when you leave them wanting for more, in the conclusion, they'll be compelled to turn the page and move to the next chapter, or wait eagerly for your next post or the next episode of a video series or podcast. The idea here is to spark a lasting curiosity.

In crafting a compelling story conclusion, consider hinting at the future to add an element of intrigue and possibility. While providing closure to the main narrative, drop subtle clues or suggestions about what might lie ahead for the characters or the world you've created.

Exploring the aftermath provides a glimpse into life after the major events of the story. Show how characters are coping, adapting, or moving forward. This adds depth to the conclusion and provides a sense of what comes next.

It's very important to note that this point is listed after those that detail the importance of concluding the main plot points. Too often, writers attempt to create a cliffhanger ending by failing to provide closure, highlight consequences, or bring events of the main plot to a close. This is a bad cliffhanger, but by introducing scenes that hint at the problems characters will face next, you can craft a good cliffhanger that builds intrigue for the next installment, or a good open-ended conclusion that lets readers imagine how the rest of the story unfolds.

When wrapping up your story, it's crucial to check for consistency throughout the conclusion. Ensure that the tone aligns with the rest of your narrative, maintaining a coherent and unified feel.

Remember that the conclusion is the final opportunity to leave a strong impact on your readers. Take the time to carefully consider each element, ensuring that the conclusion aligns with the tone, themes, and emotional resonance established throughout the story. Craft a conclusion that satisfies, resonates, and leaves a lasting impression.

In refining your story conclusion, it's essential to meticulously edit and polish the content. Check for grammatical errors, ensure clarity in language, and refine the overall structure for a seamless flow.

Excessive exposition in the conclusion can disrupt the flow and impact. Provide the necessary information to satisfy readers but be judicious in your use of details. Allow the conclusion to unfold organically without overwhelming the reader with information.

Whether it was a published author or student draft, some of the best story conclusions I've read always highlighted the writer's perspective or provided unique insights on a topic, social phenomena, historical outcome etc. (even if it was indirect). The point of their story was to weave a narrative about a certain topic. But in the conclusion, good writers implore you to consider a moral or look at events/characters from an alternative perspective.

In writing a good story, you must make sure that, your thoughts or content is chronological and you should have an understanding of what you are writing about. Again, relevance is key to a successful story writing

The end of good literary fiction should be ambiguous. Nothing resolved. Yet there seems to be pressure to reach resolution, to get answers. I don't know what's going on here.

Writing an effective story conclusion is a skill that can be learned and improved with practice. A story conclusion should provide a satisfying and memorable ending for the reader, while also tying up any loose ends and resolving the main conflict. Here are some steps to writing an effective story conclusion: