Writing a Satisfying Resolution
for Your Book


By Mary Kole

Mary Kole is a former literary agent, freelance editor, writing teacher, author of Writing Irresistible Kidlit, and IP developer for major publishers, with over a decade in the publishing industry.

As an aspiring writer, you've likely heard the phrase "satisfying resolution" thrown around a lot. But what exactly is a satisfying resolution, and how can you ensure your book idea has one? This article includes some tips for crafting a resolution that will leave your readers feeling fulfilled and emotionally moved. I'll cover the ingredients of a satisfying resolution, how to execute one for maximum impact, the expected character and action beats, and common mistakes that writers make with their story's resolution. Plus, I’ll touch on how different genres have different expectations for the resolution.

Defining a Satisfying Resolution

First off, what exactly is a satisfying resolution? Simply put, it's the moment at the end of your story where the main conflict is resolved and the loose ends are tied up. It generally happens after the story climax, and involves the completion of your character development (at least for the scope of your manuscript). It's also the moment where your readers should feel a sense of closure and emotional satisfaction.

To create a satisfying resolution, it's important to include the following ingredients: closure, emotional resonance, and character growth. You should also close any mystery open loops that you’ve opened, so there are few loose threads for readers to wonder about. Closure means that all the important plot threads are tied up and all of the character arcs and plot arcs are resolved. Emotional resonance means that the ending resonates emotionally with the readers, either through a sense of joy, sadness, or hope. This is sometimes called the core emotional experience. Finally, character growth means that the main character grows and changes throughout the story, leading to a satisfying conclusion.

satisfying resolution

How to Pull off a Satisfying Resolution

To execute a satisfying resolution for maximum impact, it's important to think about the journey that your characters have been on. What have they learned? How have they grown? What emotional themes have been explored throughout the story? Once you have a clear idea of this, you can craft an ending that is both emotionally impactful and true to the story you've been telling.

At a satisfying resolution, readers expect certain character and action beats. For example, there should be a final confrontation between the protagonist and the antagonist, done in narration with dialogue and physical action. There should also be a clear moment of resolution, whether it's a character achieving their objective or coming to a thematic realization about themselves or the world around them.

One common mistake that writers make with their story's resolution is rushing it. It's important to take the time to craft an ending that is true to the story and the characters, rather than simply tying up loose ends for the sake of it. Another mistake is having a resolution that comes too easily or feels unearned. Make sure that your characters have earned their happy ending or resolution through the journey they've been on throughout the story.


Genre Considerations for a Satisfying Resolution

Different genres have different expectations when it comes to the satisfying resolution. Romance novels, for example, typically require a happy ending for the main couple (or the idea that they’re “happy for now”). Literary fiction may have a more ambiguous or open-ended resolution. It's important to understand the expectations of your genre and to craft an ending that is in line with those expectations.

Crafting a satisfying resolution is the key to ending your story on a high note. By including closure, emotional resonance, and character growth, you can create an ending that resonates emotionally with your readers. Remember to take the time to think about the character and action beats expected at a satisfying resolution, and to avoid common mistakes such as rushing the ending or having a resolution that feels unearned. With these tips in mind, you'll be well on your way to crafting a satisfying resolution that will leave your readers feeling a sense of closure, which is one of the most important things you can do for your story idea.

Click here to purchase Writing Irresistible Kidlit, my book on fiction craft for MG and YA novels, out from Writer's Digest Books. This will show you my writing craft philosophy and give you lots of valuable advice, including tips for the novel revision process and self-editing. There are over 35 example novels cited and discussed throughout. It’s a valuable resource for any writer’s toolkit.

Click here to purchase Successful Query Letters, my book on query letters, including over forty examples with comprehensive notes on each one. There’s a ton of submission advice, best practices, and insider information in these pages, and you’ll really enjoy seeing what other writers are doing in the slush.