Writer’s Shop Talk: Ruminations on the Tricky Subject of Endings

Late Morning, Monday, March 17, 2025, Miami, Florida

“At the heart of all great art is an essential melancholy.”― Federico García Lorca

Novelist’s Log, Stardate 2503.17

Hi, there, folks.

After a mostly restful weekend punctuated with a grocery run at Winn-Dixie, I’m back to the enchanting world of Reunion: Coda, the novel I’ve poured my heart into for the past two years. Just last week, I reached the emotional peak of the story—a moment I’ve been eagerly anticipating since I began on March 9, 2023.

The journey is not over yet. I am currently navigating the delicate process of weaving together the “denouement,” a term that Mrs. Esther Allen lovingly taught me during my English class at Riviera Junior High in the 1979-1980 school year. Although she has since passed away, her vibrant teachings remain alive in my memory, especially the way she illustrated the stages of a novel with a chalk-drawn graph on the blackboard. The graph began with the “Exposition,” slanted upward with “Rising Action” until it reached (what else?) the “Climax,” and concluded with the “Denouement.”

“When you close the book, does the story end? No! That’s such a bland way to read. Every story goes on forever in our imaginations, and its characters live on.”— Mizuki Nomura

I am somewhat nervous about the next few chapters in Reunion: Coda. Of all the parts of a novel, the trickiest to write is the ending. This is because a satisfying conclusion not only wraps up the current narrative but also leaves a lasting impression on the reader. Yet, a sense of excitement bubbles within me as I venture into these final chapters, knowing that I am on the brink of completing a story that has been a labor of love.

As Mickey Spillane once said, “Your first chapter sells your book. Your last chapter sells your next book.” A well-crafted ending can resonate with readers long after they have closed the book, inspiring them to eagerly await the author’s next work. Ensuring that the denouement lives up to the emotional high points of the story is a delicate and daunting task, but it is essential for creating a memorable and impactful reading experience.

Even though I feel a bit anxious, there’s a hopeful thrill in knowing that every tap on my keyboard brings me closer to sharing this journey with others. With each word, I strive to create an ending that will not only satisfy but also linger in the hearts of readers, igniting their imaginations and keeping the story alive long after the final page is turned.

In the coming months, I hope to complete Reunion: Coda before June. My aspiration is that the conclusion of this novel will bring a satisfactory end to the Reunion Duology, delighting readers and honoring the legacy of my remarkable English teachers, including the unforgettable Mrs. Allen, who instilled in me the love for storytelling.