One way is to return to the beginning. For example, if the story starts with a character in a specific place, like a small cottage by the lake, end the story with the character back in that same cottage, but with a different perspective or feeling, perhaps having gone through a life - changing journey. Another way is to use a circular ending, where the last line or paragraph echoes the first in some way, like starting with 'The day was cold and gray' and ending with 'The day was still cold, but now there was a glimmer of hope.'
You can end a story by tying up loose ends. If there were mysteries or problems introduced throughout the story, resolve them all at the end. For instance, if there was a mystery about a missing heirloom, reveal where it was and how it got there. Also, an ending that shows the growth or change of a character can be great. If the character was shy and timid at the start, show them being confident and assertive at the end, which gives a sense of closure and development to the story.
One way is to have a satisfying resolution where the main character achieves their goal. For example, if it's a story about a detective solving a case, the end could be the detective finally arresting the culprit and getting justice. This gives a sense of closure to the reader.
Begin with a conflict. For instance, two characters arguing over a valuable item. It creates instant tension.
A good ending for a novel can often tie up loose ends. This means answering all the questions that have been raised throughout the story. For a love story, it could be the two main characters finally getting married after all the trials and tribulations they've been through. Also, an ending can be effective if it has an emotional punch. Maybe the hero sacrifices himself to save the world, which would make the readers feel a strong sense of loss and admiration at the same time.
You could also begin a story by introducing a unique or strange object. For example, 'In the middle of the table, there was a small, glowing box. No one knew where it came from or what it was for.' This object becomes a focal point and the reader will be interested in finding out more about it and how it relates to the rest of the story.
Tell the story to someone else. This forces you to organize your thoughts and recall all the details. You might even discover parts that you didn't remember clearly before, and this process of retelling helps solidify the story in your memory.
Online advertising can be effective. Use platforms like Google Ads or Facebook Ads to target readers who might be interested in the genre of the novel. Also, partnering with libraries can be a great idea. Libraries can recommend the book to their patrons, which gives it more exposure.
You can end it with a powerful image. Say, a lone figure standing on a cliff as the sun sets, which can symbolize many things like new beginnings or solitude. It allows the reader to interpret it in their own way and gives a sense of finality.
You can use the character's inner thoughts to convey sadness. Let the reader peek into the character's mind. For example, 'He thought about all the things he had lost, and a heavy feeling settled in his chest. It was like a dark cloud that wouldn't go away, and he felt so alone in this world.' This shows the depth of the character's sadness through their own thoughts.
A twist ending can be great. For instance, the character who was thought to be the villain turns out to be the true hero all along. It makes the reader go back and re - evaluate the whole story.
One way is to start with a sudden, unexpected event. For instance, 'The ground shook violently as a giant, fire - breathing dragon emerged from the deep chasm in the middle of the peaceful meadow. All the animals scattered, and the villagers watched in horror.' This grabs the reader's attention right away.