At the end of a memoir how can a writer give a satisfying ending that is neither weak nor contrived?
The best place to start when deciding how to end a memoir is by looking at the theme of a book.
One main rule to remember is that, unless the memoir is just one of a series with more to come, then the reader will want a conclusion with all or most threads of the story finished off neatly. If a writer likes to leave a bit of uncertainty though then the odd teaser will not frustrate the reader too much.
After months or years of writing a memoir and now on the final lap it is all too easy to rush the ending. To do this will doom the book to be remembered as a disappointment that did not live up to the promise. Here are some tips to try to avoid this happening:
Do not over analyse or over read the ending. Put the finished memoir away for at least six weeks and read another book. Preferably fiction. After six weeks read the memoir again and see if the ending is satisfying enough.