Writing Prompt: Abruptly Ending It

1/4 March Mini-Course: Coming to a sudden end

Zane Dickens the Instigator
Microcosm

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A man walks out his front door as disaster strikes. Does he survive?
An Abrupt End by MJ & Me

Hey fellow storytellers!

Let’s talk about one of the most exciting and infuriating types of cliffhangers: cutting off a scene abruptly.

This technique is perfect for leaving your audience on the edge of their seat, wondering what will happen next.

It’s like hitting pause in the middle of an epic moment and making your readers wait for the thrilling conclusion.

So, how can you use this type of cliffhanger to keep your readers hooked?

Make them care

Before you cut off a scene, make sure your readers care about what’s happening. Set it up with characters they love (or love to hate), build tension, and make the stakes high.

So, when you cut off the scene, they’ll be dying to know what happens next.

Use it sparingly

This can be a great tool, but don’t overuse it. If every chapter ends in a cliffhanger, your readers will get frustrated and lose interest.

Use it strategically to build suspense and keep them engaged.

Deliver on the promise

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Zane Dickens the Instigator
Microcosm

Top Writer. Chief Instigator at Microcosm. Creator of the 💯 Story Challenge. Level Up: from Hobbyist to Authorpreneur at zane.substack.com/about