Endings are so so important!

I think it goes without saying that the ending is probably the most important part of a story for the reader. Yes, the first page and first chapter are important too...very important. But nothing ruins a great book, or a movie, like a stupid ending.

There is one movie that always comes to mind when I think of bad endings. I can't help it...I'm a happily ever after kind of gal. And this one didn't end that way...not by a long shot. Ever watch Ladder 49???? Well....the whole movie you knew he was trapped...I believe the movie started with the end, then flashed back and forth to the past and then back to present day. So it was not a surprise. But to end the way it did. I just didn't understand why I was put through all that to have it end that way. It was so sad and usually I am such a sap and bawl my eyes out at stuff like that...but no...not this time. I was livid. I was so mad that they put me through all that and then killed him in the end. I remember trying to go to sleep that night and not being able to...I was still so mad.

So anyway...when it comes to books and movies, I want the ending I expect and want- everyone lives happily ever after. But I also want some surprise to it. I need to think that it won't end that way.

And this is what I sometimes struggle with in my own writing. For the genre I write (contemporary women's fiction and romance) it's a given that it will all end happily. But I want twists and turns for my reader. I want to give them something they didn't quite expect but still satisfies their desire for hearts and butterflies and riding off into the sunset.

I am reading the newest Meg Cabot right now, Insatiable. I am halfway in. And at this point, I really have no clue what so ever what is gonna happen. And I love that feeling...but I also am hopefully that I will get the kind of ending I want. I guess we'll just have to wait and see! ***Adding this in: I did finish it (scheduled this post like a week ago.) Unfortunately, it did not end how I would have liked...though it is left open for a sequel.

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Even when I know the outcome....

I sometimes can't help but wish for a different ending.

Last night I was exhausted and felt like doing nothing but flipping through channels. My hubby is out of town and so I have taken up the title of single mom. Not fun when you're not used to handling everything completely on your own. But anyway, I came across Titanic. I absolutely love that movie...the drama, the love story.....historical fiction at its finest!

But when it came to the part: "Iceberg! Straight ahead!" and the ship slowly inches toward it and everyone is running around trying to turn the boat, stop the coal burning, reverse the engines.... I am sitting here cringing...hoping that this time, the boat doesn't hit the iceberg.

But I know it does. Nothing will change that....short of the invention of a time machine.

I can't help but image what would have happened had Titanic not struck the iceberg. The ship would have made headlines for it's speed instead. Hundreds of people would not have died. Jack and Rose would have lived happily ever after. Maybe that's my issue. I didn't get my Happily Ever After! I guess no matter how predictable romance stories can be.....I am completely devastated when I don't get what I want.

Don't worry Jack....I'll never let go either.......