Friday, October 23, 2009

Finis

Would someone please care to define "Happy Ending"? What are the elements that are present when you're satisfied with a book's conclusion?

Just asking. Thanks.

5 comments:

  1. You mean a "happy ending" for the reader, not necessarily for the characters?

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  2. This begs the question of "Happy Endings" versus "Satisfying Ending." Aiming for a happy ending may not allow a story its own organic and natural evolution. Whereas a satisfying ending has a sensibility that feels right - in that it would be hard to imagine a different outcome for the character(s) journey. (I am a big fan of endings that are both surprising and inevitable, but think they are a rarity.) Sometimes a sad or tragic ending is the only "right" landing place for our stories. Happy endings are satisfying when they are not forced or contrived - which can be just as challenging to achieve. I say, let the story and the characters show the way.

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  3. Yes, Happy readers. But even that is elusive because they so often react as individuals, dang them. And find surprising ways to respond to a story.

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  4. I believe a happy ending is one that makes you want to go back to the beginning and read it again.

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  5. As a reader: When you hope there will be a next book.

    As a writer: When you know there will be a next book.

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