I have about 15,000 words left to write. Considering I am hitting the final climax over the next two chapters, my closing actions will be about 10,000 words. I’ve never really thought about this before. How much closing action is too much? How much is too little? In my first two novels, I didn’t think about this much because they were part of a trilogy. With my third novel, everything was quick so I did the same with the end.
I hate making things back and white. I know that the outline I have is perfect to conclude this story. But, as I look at the numbers, I wish the concluding action wasn’t 1/8th of the novel. I won’t honestly worry about it until I get there. Too often do I think about the numbers then I realize that certain chapters will be twice as long as others. I’m just thinking about too much, I guess. I just need to write, write, write, and wrap this thing up.
Much Love,
Richard
All I can say there is not to give in to the temptation to force it to end later! Sometimes a succinct ending is perfect. See The Lord of the Rings for a perfect example of how not to do this.