I’m nearing the end of my current WIP, which still seems a bit unbelievable since I just started it at the end of January. Anyway, there wasn’t a lot of planning with this book. It is my first attempt at a paranormal. I had no idea what I was doing. I had a beginning and a black moment. That was it. The rest unfolded as I pulled out hair and texted my CP for emergency plot assistance. <wave to Rayna> Now that I’m nearing the end, I have a dilemma.
This week I’ll write the climax. Then what? Some authors write a nice, neat epilogue at the end of their books. Some just stop with the resolution of the main conflict. As a reader and/or writer, what do you prefer? Do you need to know how your characters fared in the long-haul? Or are you content to know they overcame the primary obstacle?
I’m taking a survey. Are epilogues emotionally satisfying or boring?
I’m not a fan of epilogues. As long as the main conflicts are tied up and the H/h have a HEA or at least a Happy for Now ending, I’m good with that 😉
Move on to the next story, right? Thanks for stopping by, Jennifer.
I ONLY write an epilogue for a cliff hanger and/or if I intend to write follow-up. which sometimes dosen’thappen.
Patt
Interesting, Patt. When I first started writing, I stuck an epilogue at the end of everything. Now I never use them. Could it be that I’ve learned to edit my stories until I’m more than ready to let go of the characters?
I like epilogues because sometimes the end of the story just cries out for just a little more information. Yes, I know the heroine and hero are together and their conflict has been resolved. Yet, sometimes, I like to know how just a little more about them.
That is just my opinion.
Dennis Clarkston
AKA Clark Stone
There have been books that made me feel this way, too. Were they more character driven?
What do you think, Dennis?
*Waving Back at Melinda*
I’m with Dennis. If I really love these characters I like just one more glimpse into how things went shortly after their happily ever after. I also agree that they make an excellent vehicle for setting up a sequel and leaving the reader hungry for the next book.
I guess really all depends on the story and situation.
~Rayna
I’m with Rayna that it depends on the story. Some stories feel like they need them and others don’t.
I only like an epilogue if it ties back to character arc, or in some way ties back the the beginning, or sets up the next book. I really don’t like them if the point is just to show that the couple had a baby or they’re still happy seven years later. Those just irk me. I’d almost prefer to imagine my own future for them, or wait to see them in a later book in the series.
That’s an interesting point, Gwen. I always try to read a book before I see the movie. I also don’t like book trailers because I like to imagine the setting and characters as I read. I don’t want those images in my head before I pick up the book.
Melinda: I don’t even like to read back cover copy. It usually gives away too much of the book. And I’m like you. Book first, then movie.
Both work for me, but I do like an epilogue, b/c if I’ve really connected to book/characters, I don’t want it to end. Plus, after pages and pages of angst and action, it’s nice to see h/h happy together. However, I don’t think epilogues are overused and can be misused especially when everything that needed to be said has already been said in the main story. Which I guess means it’s a crap shoot after all. If you don’t feel as though the WIP is complete, that it still needs an extra zing, then have at it.
I know, I know, I’m oh so unhelpful on this one. Color me wishy-washy. ;-)_
I get it. Like Kathy and Rayna said, it depends on the book. Thanks!
Depends on the story and how important it is to show where the pair wound up now that the HEA is established. (I wind up writing scenes I put aside as free reads for later–they’d be too long for an epilogue anyway.
Nice idea, Joanna. You could use these to drive people to your website and/or newsletter.
If nothing else, it’s fun 🙂