The Insecure Writer’s Support Group ~ No#144

Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!

Posting: The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. Post your thoughts on your own blog. Talk about your doubts and the fears you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in the group and connect with your fellow writer – aim for a dozen new people each time.

The awesome co-hosts for the December 04th posting of the IWSG are: Ronel, Deniz, Pat Garcia, Olga Godim, and Cathrina Constantine!

Don’t forget to visit them and thank them for co-hosting!

Our Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and hashtag is #IWSG.

Every month, we announce a question that members can answer in their IWSG post. These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience or story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you are struggling with something to say.

Remember, the question is optional!

December 04th Question: Do you write cliffhangers at the end of your stories? Are they a turn-off to you as a writer and/or a reader?
As a reader, I’m not really against cliffhangers because they have some benefits. As a writer, I prefer definitive endings.
Here are a few thoughts:
A cliffhanger can boost engagement to consume the next chapter or episode.

They can deepen emotional connections like excitement, curiosity, or even frustration, so readers remain invested in the story.
They help to maintain narrative momentum as they propel your story forward by creating a rhythm of suspense and excitement.


So what are your thoughts on cliffhangers?

 

6 Comments

  1. Alex J. Cavanaugh on December 4, 2024 at 11:53 pm

    I admit, not a fan. I want a complete story.

  2. Hilary Melton-Butcher on December 5, 2024 at 8:23 am

    Hi Michelle – I can’t put a story down til I’ve finished reading … so will always move on to the end – cliffhanger or no … cheers Hilary

  3. H. R. Sinclair on December 5, 2024 at 5:41 pm

    I like cliffhangers at the end of chapters, but not at the end of the story.

  4. L. Diane Wolfe on December 5, 2024 at 7:10 pm

    I like them at the end of chapters but I prefer the story not end that way.

  5. Esther O'Neill on December 10, 2024 at 10:41 am

    Midway through writing House of the Ghost Child, I realised I heard the BBC talking about the latest storm. Wrong name ? Not really, just I hadn’t been paying attention. Another week, , another storm. Instead of a cliffhanger, a not impossible marine event – a Kraken.
    TV and radio soap cliffhanger trailers are just irritatiing…

  6. Allie Bock on January 22, 2025 at 1:30 pm

    I agree with your thoughts. I also don’t mind them in a story as a Reader. I can’t write them though.

Leave a Comment