Good afternoon everyone.
Is there a unique or specialist method I can use to bring book one of a continuing story to a close?
The fictional world however will continue to turn in book two but perhaps from a different stand point and maybe with different characters.
As I have said before, I am only able to speak from my point of view. One of my projects (I hate that term but it somehow doesn't sound pompous, like saying "in one of my novels") I have written the beginning of the next book into the ending of the first but completely finished the story of the first, no loose ends, the threads that are there are the beginning of the next suit of clothes my protagonist has to wear.
I agree with Lorraine's husband, you can't trust an author who leaves you hanging, as he said..."well what was the point of that?" you have to build trust so the reader doesn't mind waiting for the next installment but I know, I for one I like an ending with a leader and a wanting more.
Regards Paul
The main threads of the storyline and plot should be brought to a conclusion at the end of a novel, but It is not necessary to tie up all the loose ends.
An ending should reveal whether the protagonist partially succeeded, completely succeeded, or failed to achieve their aims. This may involve one or more, or several characters.
My tip is to read the first and last chapters of acclaimed authors. Their endings alaways relate to the exposition at the beginning.
Great is the art of beginning, but greater the art of ending - Longfellow
David, some elements of your story will have reached an end or at least a hiatus, and it's these that close the book.
I've just been doing a similar thing, and am aware that threads that have been mentioned earlier shouldn't be left hanging in mid-air: they should be referred to, even if it's just a nod. Otherwise the reader would be asking, 'Well, what was the point of that?' There has to be some suggestion that they will be picked up again later, even if it's a subtle one.
I know how the next book starts: one of the minor characters will become the major one, and the current central ones will be there in supporting roles. So the sequel will begin with the new main man. If you know where the starting point will be, it's easier to round things off in the first book.
The main point is not to frustrate your readers by having no resolution, or promise of it, at all, and/or no sense that the story will go forward in a satisfactory way.
My husband recently read a book that had no sort of ending: the sound of disappointment was really quite definite! He hasn't felt the urge to read the next book, or more from that author, because he doesn't trust them. That's what we have to avoid.
Hope this helps.
Lorraine