Writing Prompt: Abruptly Ending It

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

This prompt is part of our March Mini Course on Cliffhangers

March Theme: Cliffhangers

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

When you do finally reveal what happens next, make sure it’s worth the wait. Don’t cheat your readers, but give them the payoff they deserve.

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Go forth and create some epic cliffhangers

🏆 The story with the most comments from thirsty readers wins! 🏆

300 words for the story bits.

1. Tag your story as you like, e.g. Fiction or Flash Fiction
   But don’t use Writing Prompts please.

2. 🙏 link back to the prompt so others can find it too.

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