Most writers are familiar with the Happily Ever After (HEA), but not every genre—and not every story—needs an HEA. In fact, every story needs the same type of ending: the Satisfying Ending.
Writers and readers often debate whether or not stories need happy endings, but the debate is almost always based on personal preference. That’s why it’s so important to understand genres and what each genre expects from its stories. The people who read those genres will expect a certain type of ending, and it’s up to the writer to provide it.
What is a satisfying ending?
It’s an appropriate ending.
In a mystery novel, the sleuth figures out who did and apprehends the bad guy. In suspense, the good guys win. In romance, the couple comes together and commits to the relationship. In a Nicholas Sparks book, someone dies.
Appropriate doesn’t mean predictable though.
The criminal might not be one person; it could be several (Orient Express by Agatha Christie). The good guys win, but they don’t all survive (the movie Armageddon). The couple commits to each other, but it doesn’t necessarily mean they get engaged or get married (The Bodyguard by Katherine Center). The person who dies isn’t always the hero (Save Haven. Seriously, though—I’ve read four Sparks books and someone dies at the end of all of them).
If you’re not sure about your ending, ask someone familiar with your genre. Your seemingly sad ending might be exactly what your story needs.
Still not sure? Reach out, and let’s see how I can help: karin@karinbeery.com.
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