Hard to believe, but Chapter 31 is now complete. It was probably one of the fastest chapters I have written. As I mentioned in a previous post about Chapter 30, writing the ending is actually easier in many ways. Unlike the middle of the book, where the characters can go off in innumerable ways (and often do!), the end provides a funnel effect where many things must happen in order to complete the story.
The only hard part? Making sure that a) things don't happen too quickly, b) that it isn't so predictable that the reader doesn't even bother to read the last twenty pages, and c) you don't forget anything!
A very successful literary agent commented that in the larger framework of any story, the protagonist must undergo a series of ups and downs. No one likes a hero who wins every fight or a villian who has no sympathetic characteristics. Why? Because its BORING and no one wants to read boring.
So, I just finished beating the crap out of my protagonist in Chapter 31 and damn was it fun. But I have to knock him down so that when he gets back up, it will be that much more satisfying.
I just never expected to find so much joy in putting him through the wringer. :)
I also am pleased that getting that chapter done so fast validates this blog. I know not many read it, but it keeps me focused and lets me think 'out loud'. I need all the help I can get.
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