Why the rush?
Filed under Tips & Tools on September 16, 2008
Tagged: deadlines, fantasy fiction, rushed endings, word counts
Rebecca over at A Christian Worldview of Fiction was trying to figure out why she was rushing through the ending of her manuscript last week. I commented on a couple reasons, but there can be several factors that result in a writer rushing through the end of a story.
I’ve read my fair share of rushed endings, and I have to agree with Rebecca’s definition of what constitutes a rushed ending:
. . . some actions aren’t properly motivated, some settings aren’t clearly drawn, some internal monologue is too prescriptive, some scenes are incomplete. The overall feel is that there are holes. Holes in the plot or in the character motivation. Things begin to feel a little contrived because there are too many coincidences.
Rushed endings are pretty obvious, especially when they are preceded by chapter after chapter of vivid, well-developed plot and characters. So, what causes even good writers to sink to such literary lows at the finish?
Deadlines
Deadlines are not uncommon in the publishing world, especially when you’re writing work-for-hire. I had a year to complete my first draft, but I know some markets want delivery within 3-4 months. Blowing deadlines is a big no-no. Timetables and budgets for editing, printing, shipping and marketing are all hanging on that date the publisher is expecting to get the manuscript. That puts a lot of pressure on a writer to wrap things up as the deadline looms.
Word Counts
Word counts apply pressure similar to deadlines, but there’s generally more flexibility. A publisher might accept a manuscript ten thousand words over or under, but if a writer is starting the last chapter and passed their word limit halfway through the previous chapter, there’s a good chance they’ll rush through the ending to avoid the editorial chopping block.
The Home Stretch
A year is a long time to spend on a particular project. I know I was ready to take a break from writing as I wrapped up my first draft of Maiden. The end was in sight and I just wanted to be done. That desire can lead to shortcuts and sloppiness if a writer isn’t careful.
Have you read any fantasy fiction where the ending felt rushed? What made the ending feel rushed? Are there other factors you think contribute to a writer rushing through the ending of their story?
September 16th, 2008 at 8:38 am
Heck yes. Not only have I read a bunch of rushed endings (from some big names, too), but I’ve certainly felt it myself. The ending of The Darkwood Mask, to me, feels fairly rushed…but not crazily so. And the reason wasn’t deadline, it was the fact that I was already well over my word count. Like you, I had about a year to write mine—a bit unusual.
My ending was even more rushed with my second WotC novel, because I had a lot less time to write it. Of course, that was axed anyway so it’s not the best example.
Jeff’s last blog post was Keeping My Vibe Down?
September 17th, 2008 at 5:06 am
I’m experiencing the word count pressure to rush my ending right now. I think I found a way to not rush it by removing the detailed escape scene and instead focus on the character drama/reactions to what’s just happened. We’ll see. First I need to find time to start writing again. Sell house!
The most rushed ending I’ve read in a long time is The Historian. What a let down that ending was. The beginning of the book was great, with flashes of greatness sprinkled throughout, even though it started to drag. THen WHOOSH! The ending. Rushed and unsatisfying.
Good post, Kam.
September 17th, 2008 at 7:16 am
I’d be interested to know what the source of the word count pressure is, Stuart, as I’m assuming it’s self-imposed. What made you decide the book had to be X words long?
Kameron’s last blog post was Why the rush?
October 20th, 2008 at 9:32 am
A month late response.
My word count pressure is self imposed. My original estimate for this book (based on the outline and story) was 180,000 words, which seemed to be stretching the norm for first books by unpublished writers, but within shooting distance. Yes, there are always exceptions, but I guess my rationale is not to shoot myself in the foot by trying to submit such a long first book. It makes me a much bigger risk from the publisher’s point of view.
Right now, I’m at 90% of my 180k estimate, yet only have 83% of my outlined chapters completed. Granted some of the unwritten chapters are planned short (my main POV seems to be the most longwinded), it still means I’m looking at a first draft more in the 200k range. And my attempts at revising, cutting, and trimming my first few chapters (since I haven’t been getting any new writing done) have resulted in tighter characterization and plot weaving, but sometimes I end with an increased word count…
Heh I’m definitely an epic fantasy writer. I seem incapable of brevity, including this blog comment.