Thursday, September 19, 2013

The Cliffhanger Conundrum

I recently read a short review of Good expressing appreciation for a book in a series that doesn't leave off on a major cliffhanger. Now, that's debatable. As I've discussed before, we all have different definitions of "cliffhanger." For some, it's the ending point right at a major event. For others, it's any unanswered question, even if that question is, "What color shirt was she wearing?"

But another interesting thing was pointed out in this review: the reviewer lamented a trend she's seeing in contemporary fiction where authors write what she calls "half stories" with the intention of leaving the reader hanging and subsequently compelled to buy the next one. It's not even sneaky. We can call it what it is: a smart business move . . . or is it? It is a business move to insure some cash flow for the next book, but is it smart? How about this: Is it respectful? Does it honor the author/reader relationship? Or does it take advantage of it?

When I set out to write Good, my initial intent was to put the entire story into one book. I like stand-alones. I like writing them. I like reading them. But as I wrote (and saw my word count climbing higher and higher), I realized there was no way I could tell Cadence's and Mark's story in one book. So I made the decision to split the story into two books, ever mindful of my audience. I made sure to end the book on a note I felt gave closure to Book 1 of the series. The reviewer pointed this out as well. She explained that while there definitely needed to be a sequel, she felt the first book was a complete story in itself. And I appreciate that because I never make writing or business decisions with the intentions of taking advantage of my readers and their trust in me. It's wrong, and it pisses me off when other writers do that.

That being said, I do fear we're living in a reading culture that despises cliffhangers so much that it scares authors into writing contrived stories. They fear the repercussions of a story that does not end the way the mass market expects. And my editor wrote a fabulous piece on the subject that warrants a few minutes of your time to read and absorb. Yeah, there will be those authors who take advantage of cliffhangers, but for the rest of us, we understand when they are necessary, and we're respectful of giving you, the reader, a REAL story. Not something silly and contrived. Not something that may warm your heart, but that you'll forget about the next day. My fans know I've got no time for that. I never write a story to convince you of anything I believe, but I sure as hell want to give you stories to make you think.

So remember: I cannot speak for other authors when it comes to cliffhangers (and HEAs, too), but for me, I will always be respectful of you as a reader--your heart, your intelligence, your time. In return, please trust me.

13 comments:

  1. Can I just say that I love your writing and the way you think! I don't really have an adversion to cliff hangers, but sometimes it feels like they keep dragging the story out. I am reading Good right now and am loving it! Keep doing what you are doing because I like it!

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    1. Thanks, Karen! I promise I won't drag out Mark's and Cadence's story. The sequel is also the final :)

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  2. Just Finished Good and wow! Although, at times I wanted to slap the crap out of Cadence and her immature behavior and at times I was questioning Mark's and his true intentions... I still am lol. But that's when you have read a "Great" book to feel all the emotions and question everything! Thank you for a job well done! I am waiting anxiously on the second. I have NO issues with cliff hangers it gives me something to look forward too! Just don't make us wait too long!

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    1. There were many times I wanted to slap Cadence, too :) So we have that in common. And don't worry. I won't make you wait long for the sequel. <3

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  3. I think I enjoy your blog post just as much as I enjoy your books. I really liked "Good", it made me laugh, cringe, and question things. I didn't think Good had a cliffhanger but it's true that everyone has a different definition of a cliffhanger. I think there is a fine line between cliffhanger and leaving certain elements unresolved to further continue a story. We can be such an instant gratification society that we hate to wait for anything. As long as it's not months upon months of waiting, I don't mind a cliffhanger. Besides, if it ended up being a 500+ page book some people would probably flip-out. Either way I'm excited for book 2.

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    1. Thanks, Cezanne. I won't make you wait a ridiculously long time for the sequel. But I appreciate that you understand a series, by definition, is a continuing story, so naturally I can't wrap everything up in Book 1. Now as far as Book 2 goes, I can, because that's the conclusion :)

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  4. I loved Good and didn't consider the end a real cliffhanger. The story was developed well, we saw their beginning, their climax (climaxes? hehe) and got a glimpse into their future. What more can one want in a beautiful love story? I do have a problem with writers who bait you... nowadays almost every book wants to be a trilogy or a series but not every novel deserves to be. You cannot spend 80% of a book waiting for something to happen and then, BAMN, it does!!!!! You're at the last 4 pages when you feel there's a turning point and then wham bam thank you ma'am and the book is done "until book2!." That makes my blood boil and my skin burn...You just cannot do that without turning readers off and then expect them to buy the second book. Btw stop writing on your blog and get to writing Better... and hot and sweaty for more ;) lol

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    1. "their climax" LOL! I love a good sexual innuendo ;) Like I stated in my post, I will never abuse the series model. I think it's necessary for stories that are lengthy (like the Too Good series), but I think you raise a valid point about abuse. It really comes down to financial gain, I believe, and that's why many stories are stretched thin to breaking. I think it does a disservice to fans and to the characters of these stories.

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  5. I don't really like cliffhangers but I know at times they are necessary at times. the waiting time of the next book can be be a year or more. But reading is a passion of mine and I try to understand what the author is trying to convey when they are writing their stories. I don't want read stories just for shock value, I want to read stories that make me think and question what's happening and why. That is why I love your writing style! I like stories that feel real even though I know it's fictional. With said, I seek and need a HEA because real life is hard and and the fictional world I get consumed/sucked into, I like to believe that happy endings are always possible even if they are not perfect.

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    1. I understand your need for a HEA. I do. I'm a little different in that regard. I'll welcome a good, ugly cry at the end of a novel if the story concluded realistically. I guess because I'm such a hardcore realist. But you're right: real life is hard, and many people find their solace and escape in reading. They want to fantasize and dream. Unfortunately, you may not always find that in realistic fiction unless you search out what I call the "safe" love stories. Some authors even include in their book descriptions that their stories have HEAs!

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  6. I just love your writing and I hope you can give us a mature Cadence :)

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    1. LOL!! I do think Cadence had moments of maturity in Good, but I also think that next to a 28-year-old, she probably more often than not appeared naïve and immature. She'll be going to college in Book 2, so who the hell knows. (Well, I mean I know, but no one else does yet.) I think you'll like her a lot and root for her in the sequel. :)

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  7. I loved Good but more than anything I appreciate the fact that even though the story had to be divided into two you really didn't leave it at a cliffhanger. As a reader I find it extremely disrespectful and manipulative when authors stop a story at a point where readers almost feel forced to buy the next book in order to get closure. I've always said that that is a dirty trick that writers with superior talent don't have to employ and you've proven me right once again. Can't wait to read Better :)

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