Just Imagine

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Welcome to my blog! Pull up a chair, grab a cup of coffee and read what's on my mind. I've a vicious sense of humor, an apprecation for romance and a mad addiction to writing.

Sunday, June 3, 2012

What's Your Perfect Ending in a Book Series?


That’s right. I got it done. I rock. Check me out. Party time!

Um... really?

*Snorts* C’mon. Seriously? I’m not that author. Never have been. Never will be.

But I AM both pleased and sad to announce that I’ve typed the very last word in my latest Calum’s Curse trilogy novel, The Tudor Revival (Calum's Curse:Ultima Bellum). Aye, I know, I should be popping the cork off the champagne bottle. But I’m not.

I never do.

This is the second such experience that I’ve had with closing up a series.

As it turns out, by popular demand, I will continue on with The MacLomain Series. Great! But my Calum’s Curse Trilogy has consumed my every thought for over two years. That’s a lot of time and heartfelt investment.

Now these characters are being let out into the world in their entirety. Yep, I feel like a mom sending my child off to his first day at school. I’m saying goodbye. Can you blame me for feeling a little freaked out? It’s a terribly vulnerable sensation. But it’s also such a profoundly proud moment. If you’ve written a book, you know what I'm talking about. 

If you’ve ever written a series, you REALLY know the feeling.

Through all of this I continue to ponder… what is the perfect ending to a book series?

As a two-time survivor, I can safely say it’s about finding the ultimate closure. No questions should be left unanswered. However, the reader’s imagination should be allowed a wee bit of freedom at the end. Wrap it up loosely and tidily. Don’t cinch up the series with a magician's knot.

Nothing should ever be final.

I think that when readers are with characters years on end, they deserve to control the outcome within reason. That means two things. First, the author listens to feedback from fans. Second, nothing, not even a book, should have a STOP sign at the end.

The reader should walk away as happy as the author. (Don’t mind me. I get too attached to my characters *winks* Sentimental fool.)

There should be a sense of closure with a pebbled bright road ahead. A shimmering, powerful story should draw in the reader, from start to finish.

But every ending can seem jarring, especially for a series. It takes tact and finesse to pull it off.

Frankly, I don't know if I've pulled it off. Guess time will tell.

What do you think? Are you a book series reader or writer (of any genre)? If so, what sort of ending makes you content? Angry? Sappy? Full of joy?

What's your perfect ending in a book series?

4 comments:

Alisha said...

Well said, Sky..don't tie up that bow too tight...leave a little wiggle room for the reader's imagination. I know you knocked this baby out of the ballpark! Way to go, my friend! Very happy and proud of you! Cheers! I'll pop a bottle open for you! No doubt about it!

Anonymous said...

i agree 100%... i just finished with three of your books. the MacLomain series. read them all in three days... loved them, could not put them down. cried, laughed out loud, and i am sure my neighbors thought me insane doing so at 2 am in the morning on my back porch with my laptop. i am looking forward to u continuing the series... but soon i will be on to your calums curse series. i know they will not dissapoint !!!! ThankYou from the bottom of my heart for some of the best writing i've had the privilege to read. as a mother of 2 young daughters and one being severely autistic. i so need these moments with a wonderful book where i can visit places in my mind i only dream about visiting. it was such a wonderful ride. thankyou again!!! Leigh Anne Aguirre.

Sky Purington said...

Oh, thank you so much, Leigh Anne! I'm thrilled that you enjoyed the series. You made my day. And good for you setting aside a little time for yourself, no matter what time of day. My son is an apraxia kid with ADHD so I can understand the need to escape on occasion in a good book. My very best to you and your family.

Sky Purington said...

Alisha darlin', you're a sweatheart! Thanks for your endless support! xo