Final Lines That Linger
Writing memorable endings in flash fictions
Hi writing friends! Before we get started on today’s in-depth craft post, a reminder that my brand new Mindful Flash Fiction Course is starting in a few weeks. If you're finding yourself drawn to the focused intensity of flash fiction you can deepen your practice through this course that combines craft techniques with mindfulness practices, to help you write with greater presence and intention and make your flash pieces truly immersive. Whether you're new to flash or looking to deepen your existing practice, this course offers a different way of approaching the form — one that builds on the technical demands of flash fiction while helping you tap into the deeper meaning of your creativity.
Today’s craft post is all about endings in flash fictions. They can make or break a story. In flash fiction especially, where every word really does count, those final lines carry enormous weight.
We've all experienced it – that moment when you finish reading a piece of flash fiction and find yourself staring into space, the story still echoing in your mind long after you've read the final words. That's the magic of a great ending.
In contrast, we all know that feeling when you get to the end of a story and you’re either confused, let down, or completely indifferent. As writers, we definitely don’t want people to be feeling that about our work!
I'm fascinated by endings because they’re not just where we stop writing, they’re what we leave with the reader. So how do we craft endings that linger? Let's have a look at some approaches that can transform a decent flash piece into an unforgettable one.
Types of Flash Fiction Endings
Just as there are countless ways to tell a story, there are many ways to end one. Here are some of the most effective approaches I've seen in flash fiction:
Circular endings return us to where we began, but with new understanding. Like coming back to your hometown after years away – everything looks the same, but your perspective has transformed. This circularity creates a satisfying sense of completion while acknowledging change.
Imagistic endings leave us with a powerful visual that captures the story's essence. They work like a camera pulling back for a final shot, creating an image that embodies the emotional heart of the piece. These endings often feel both concrete and expansive.
Twist endings reframe everything we've read with new information. The best twists don't feel like tricks but revelations – they make us want to immediately reread the story to catch what we missed. They should feel both surprising and inevitable.
Open endings invite readers to continue the story in their imagination. Rather than tying up loose ends, they expand outward, suggesting possibilities. They aren't unfinished; they're intentionally spacious.
Resonant endings expand the story's meaning beyond its specific circumstances. They often make a subtle leap to the universal, suggesting larger implications while remaining grounded in the concrete world of the story.
What others can you think of that stand out for you? Do let me know in the comments.
Common Pitfalls (And How to Avoid Them)
Before we look at techniques for crafting great endings and you get writing and editing your own, let's talk about some common endings I see in submissions that really let the story down: