I've been going back and forth about an epilogue I've written for my manuscript. So many times I've been told that readers don't like their stories all tied up with a happy ending and a pretty bow. They like the main conflict resolved and that's it. Characters learned, people were changed, the story is over.
But, for me, I like mostly happy endings and if I've loved the characters I want to know more---and that is why I like epilogues. I like finding out what happened to characters after the main conflict is over. For me, it's okay to find a little happiness after a life-changing event or to see how life went on.
I really like the epilogue I've written and think it ties my story together nicely. And it gives a little more depth to the ending for my characters. But if it's true readers don't like epilogues, maybe I've written it for the small minority of readers (like me) who like epilogues. I just don't know.
So, tell me dear readers, do you like epilogues? Should I include one or not?
I'm an award-winning romantic suspense novelist, but in my free time I love to review books and my fave TV shows, as well as pass along great book deals, and eat Canadian chocolate---not necessarily in that order.
9 comments:
Julie,
What I hear from writers is so different from what I've heard from my readers. My readers really like hearing more about the characters. They like to have a longer ending that ties things up a little bit.
I always think of the end of Harry Potter. If there hadn't been an epilogue, I would have been so frustrated.
Love epilogues. I agree on Harry Potter. They bring a sense of closure. I guess that's double-edged - if you ever want to return to these characters, you're stuck with the epilogue's version of the truth.
J.K.R. could have stories that take place between the end of Deathly Hallows and the epilogue, but there's no more concern that any of them might die, so you lose some of that suspense. (Of course, there are things that could happen that are pretty bad.)
Sorry, went off track there. Yes, I like epilogues. =)
I do like epilogues. The industry changes in terms of what is 'popular' but I think each story is unique and you shouldn't base your decision on what the experts are saying at the moment. (Same for prologues - apparently they're 'out' at the moment, but I like them, too!)
I plan on writing one for my trilogy. I figure there isn't going to be a good way to wrap up a happy ending from a story three books long without one, and there is going to be a happy ending! Oh, maybe I shouldn't have said that. Hmmmm. . .
I usually appreciate epilogues. People who don't can skip them.
If you love it, you should include it. I am not personally a fan of epilogues, but I'm sure lots of people are.
I like epilogues. I'm not a fan of Happily ever after endings and for me an epilogue can help avoid that kind of ending.
I like epilogues and the closure they bring. I agree with an earlier commentor - if people don't like epilogues, just disregard/ignore them.
I love epilogues, but if you're worried, you can always link it to your blog where you can put the epilogue.
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