Crafting the Ending

Crafting the ending of a piece, I believe, is the most challenging. It is not only the part where all the pieces of a story need to come together, but also the part where the writer needs to re-examine the reason for writing the piece. What was the message you were intending to give to your readers? Has that message been made clear?

So I often find myself going back through on the second draft and looking for places to shore up that message, looking for places where I can insert bits of information that I found necessary to include at the end, tweaking wording to cleverly hint at themes.

And that is what Beta Readers will be for as well – helping me find those holes that don’t exist in my head, but haven’t been made clear on paper.

This is the part that is more than just writing!

New Fav Book Store

Recently, I stumbled across an independent bookstore that has become one of my favorites.

Northshire Bookstore is located on Broadway in Saratoga Springs, New York, and it is a gem! Books are well displayed, and signage allows newcomers to easily find what they want. There is an amazing metal staircase that leads to the second floor, which is filled front to back with books for children and young adults.

The staff seems to genuinely love books. They have even left short recommendations on cards here and there on the shelves. Combine these with the inside cover of the book and you feel very confident purchasing a book you are going to love!

They have another store in Manchester Center, Vermont -- a bit of a hike for me. But I’ll be back to the Saratoga Springs store as often as I can!