The story's done when there's no more story left. If that means -200 words, so be it.
The problem for me is in ending it. I have several issues - I don't know how to close it out, and after a while I end up liking the characters, have imaginary backstories on them, don't want to end the association.
Beta readers or workshop groups help a lot. I've had three workshop classes now and love them immensely. Sometimes a deadline, as in when you're supposed to hand in a story to be workshopped, doesn't always allow you the time to step away from a story long enough to be objective or to see it from a different angle.
no subject
The problem for me is in ending it. I have several issues - I don't know how to close it out, and after a while I end up liking the characters, have imaginary backstories on them, don't want to end the association.
Beta readers or workshop groups help a lot. I've had three workshop classes now and love them immensely. Sometimes a deadline, as in when you're supposed to hand in a story to be workshopped, doesn't always allow you the time to step away from a story long enough to be objective or to see it from a different angle.