Endings and beginnings. This, and next week’s, Marketing for Romance Writers 52-week Blog Challenge topics have already been weighing heavily on my mind. Granted it’s not specific to my writing, but it is related to my story. This week’s topic is Epilogue or no? Ironically enough, I mentioned this very topic to my hubby this morning. I said I wish I had a crystal ball just so I could see how everything turns out. How it ended.
Skip to the End
My girls used to tell me that they often read the last page of a book first to know the ending.
I was horrified. Skip to the end? Are you kidding?
That’s why I write as a panster, and I love a nice surprise (we all know there are bad surprises too).
But I must admit that my favorite epilogue was that for the television series Charmed.
It was one of my favorite shows and I hated to see it come to an end, but they provided a fabulous epilogue that made me feel a little better about leaving my favorite characters. (Yes, I know there’s a new version that started —I haven’t watched it yet. I’m just not sure it will be the same, but I’m sure I’ll check it out sometime.)
Writing Epilogues
I don’t usually write an epilogue and my opinion of epilogues varies depending on the story. So I don’t have a solid answer for this. Some stories it feels right, while other times I feel like it’s an attempt to wrap everything up too neatly and I feel a little cheated.
If my story isn’t over, I usually have so much more to say that I write the next #book. #epilogue #MFRW Click To TweetI’m long-winded like that. Hence why the next book in The Enchantlings series, NOT A CHANCE, is up for preorder now and will be released on October 31st. (Happy Halloween!)
Plus—if you haven’t read the first book, DESTINY CALLING is on sale right now for .99cents.
One of my stories did sort of wrap up in an epilogue, FORGET ME NOT. Since it was a novella, it was nice to give a tiny glimpse of the future for this couple.
My Crystal Ball
My twins are seniors this year. You know, those little baby girls that I used to write the twin talk blog posts to document their stories since I’m terrible at filling out a baby book?
That means many changes for them soon, and for Mom and Dad. I admit, it’s caused
me stress and has had me reflecting on many things, but most of all, I just want to know how everything turns out.
With so many questions, I want answers. Sure, it might take the fun out of the journey a little, but as a Mom, I just want to take the worry away and have the happily ever after.
So, would I peek ahead at the epilogue of this story? You betcha.
It’s Not the End—It’s a Blog Hop
Be sure to check out the other author’s blogs about their thoughts on Epilogue or no?
But before you do, be sure to stop RIGHT HERE where I’m listing all the contests and giveaways this month to celebrate the paranormal season and for 
the upcoming release of NOT A CHANCE.
I’m telling you I have so many going on that the only way to keep them straight and not miss any was to corral them all together on one big blog post!
Plus, I have a rafflecopter for a chance to win a $15 Amazon gift card.
What Are Your Thoughts on Epilogue or Not?
 
I had to laugh when I read your post. I love to read the ending first. Usually I read the last chapter and if there is an epilogue, then that. I don’t know why I do this except sometimes, I think you can find out everything that happened in a nutshell leading to the end. LOL
Ahh, Connie, you’re like my daughters. Although I do like the whole eat dessert first idea, which may be a similar concept. 🙂 Thanks for visiting.
With romance, the ending is generally a foregone conclusion, so I have no need to skip to the last chapter. What matters is the journey getting to that last chapter.
I agree- I love the journey!
I like what Holly said in her comment about it being the journey in a romance. As far as epilogues, I think it depends on the book. Congratulations on your upcoming book!
Thanks Mary!