Writer's Block: The Cliffhanger

Cliffhanger’s can be a dangerous writing tool.  Some people are really good at them, but others are not.  It’s not whether the ending is shocking or not, it’s whether a reader will want to pick up the next book even if it doesn’t come out for another year.  I know a lot of people who won’t because after putting all this work into the book- getting to know the characters, the plot, the mythology- they feel like it was all for nothing.

Writing a good cliffhanger means you’ll have to wrap up some major questions throughout the book.  The reader needs to feel a sense of completion to an extent.  Then, when the surprise comes, don’t let them see it coming.  Don’t hint at it throughout the story too much, if at all, and don’t EVER make it something that feels so ridiculous the reader won’t believe it.

Writing a good cliffhanger also means that you want your reader to feel like they’re actually hanging on the edge of an emotional cliff by only their fingers.  The surprise has to not only be surprising in when it happens but with what happens.

I, personally, like cliffhangers.  They add to my experience and that’s what I’m always looking for when I read a book- an experience.  Any book that gets me to feel something is a 5-star book in my opinion.

For me, the cliff-hanger queen is Julie Kagawa.  The ending of Eternity Cure alone was mind blowing.  Who do you think is the best at writing cliffhangers?  Do you even like cliffhangers?  Let me know in the comments!

 

Hey, have a question?  Want to see me rant about something?  Curiosity eating away at you?  Want my opinion?  If you have a question writing related just ask it in the comments and I’ll do my best to answer it.  I’ll do research into it and answer it as full as I can.  Don’t be shy!