I left a comment (a question) about endinng that I don't think was spoiler alerty, but I don't even want to tread close to the possibility, so I deleted it. (I thought you had to approve these comments, but I think I was thinking about Courtney's substack.) I'll just ask you when I see you at the L.A. Bookfest.
Helpful post. Ending in screenplays are even more treacherous, I think. It's amazing how many movies we are fans of, and we can't quite remember the endings, though. Or maybe that's just me.
It's been about 2.5 years (at least) since you wrote this series, Rebecca, but I only came across it recently, and I enjoyed it a lot, although I am nowhere near the ending of my WIP. When I get close, I shall certainly refer back to this series for guidance. The most startling ending I have ever read -- and I would hesitate to even try to categorize it, but maybe you or some of your followers could -- is from "There Must Be Some Mistake," a short novel by Frederick Barthelme. Has anyone besides me read this? And has anyone besides me actually liked the ending? For some reason, it just seems perfect, even though it's maddening. But it is certainly not a model for anyone else. (I love the book's title, too.)
“The most authentic endings are the ones which are already revolving towards another beginning”
—Sam Shepard
“I hate endings. Just detest them. Beginnings are definitely the most exciting, middles are perplexing, and endings are a disaster.”
--SamShepard
I left a comment (a question) about endinng that I don't think was spoiler alerty, but I don't even want to tread close to the possibility, so I deleted it. (I thought you had to approve these comments, but I think I was thinking about Courtney's substack.) I'll just ask you when I see you at the L.A. Bookfest.
Helpful post. Ending in screenplays are even more treacherous, I think. It's amazing how many movies we are fans of, and we can't quite remember the endings, though. Or maybe that's just me.
I saw the comment! The answer is no... I don't tend to do that.
See you in LA!
Rest assured, I'll have another good question.
Thank you for your generosity 🤗
This was helpful and fun, thank you!
It's been about 2.5 years (at least) since you wrote this series, Rebecca, but I only came across it recently, and I enjoyed it a lot, although I am nowhere near the ending of my WIP. When I get close, I shall certainly refer back to this series for guidance. The most startling ending I have ever read -- and I would hesitate to even try to categorize it, but maybe you or some of your followers could -- is from "There Must Be Some Mistake," a short novel by Frederick Barthelme. Has anyone besides me read this? And has anyone besides me actually liked the ending? For some reason, it just seems perfect, even though it's maddening. But it is certainly not a model for anyone else. (I love the book's title, too.)
As a new subscriber, I just discovered this wonderful series. Thank you, Rebecca, for such a comprehensive study on endings.
SO inspiring and helpful. Thank you, Rebecca!