As writers, it seems obvious our goal is to keep readers engaged, especially in longer works where each chapter’s end should leave them wanting more. Jill Hedgecock emphasizes the art of finding the right chapter ending—not every one needs a cliffhanger, but each should have a sense of closure. In her novels, like Rhino in the Room and Between Shadow’s Eyes, Jill demonstrates this skill. She’s written five novels, short stories, essays, and nonfiction, and contributes to The Diablo Gazette and Books ‘N Pieces Magazine. A former Program Coordinator for CWC, she won the 2023 Jack London Award and judges writing contests. In October, Jill will discuss how beginnings and endings are linked, and how genre influences endings.