Is it Essential for Every Narrative to Conclude on a Positive Note?
In a world where happy endings dominate the narrative landscape, it's essential to remember that not every story must lead to a fairy tale conclusion. Allison Maruska, a renowned author, delves into this fascinating perspective in her guest post, "To Every Problem There Is a Solution - Or Is There?"
Maruska highlights the critical distinction between a story's solution and conclusion. The solution, she explains, addresses the direct resolution of the central problem or conflict, whereas the conclusion provides a satisfying ending that ties together the story's overall themes and leaves the reader with closure or something to reflect on.
The importance of non-happy endings in storytelling cannot be overstated. Such endings offer a more realistic or complex perspective, evoke deeper emotional responses, and prompt readers to engage critically or reflect on ambiguous outcomes rather than neat resolutions. Maruska argues that these endings can still provide a "joyful" or meaningful conclusion without everything being perfectly resolved, increasing the story's impact and memorability by leaving room for interpretation and continued thought.
Maruska shares her experiences in crafting stories with non-traditional endings, emphasising the need to avoid locking herself into the same kind of ending for every story to maintain suspense. She acknowledges that readers often prefer happy endings and tight solutions, but asserts that a not-so-happy ending can still work if it serves the story well.
One of her works, "Stranger Than Fiction," illustrates this point, with the main character learning his story doesn't end well. Despite knowing the unhappy ending, the author allows the character to read the draft, adding a layer of emotional depth to the narrative. This decision has conditioned readers to expect unhappy endings from Maruska's work.
Another example is the YA book "Reason to Breathe" by Rebecca Donovan. Despite its shocking ending, which received negative reviews due to its conclusion, the book remains highly rated, showing that it worked for the majority of readers. Maruska points out that not all stories have a traditional solution, but they do have a conclusion.
In conclusion, Maruska's insightful guest post encourages authors to think beyond the conventional happy ending, emphasising the importance of crafting narratives that resonate beyond just plot mechanics to affect the reader's understanding and emotions deeply. By embracing the complexity and ambiguity that non-happy endings offer, stories can evoke deeper emotional responses and leave a lasting impact on readers.
Beta readers can find value in Maruska's books, as they contain endings that challenge conventions and provide thought-provoking entertainment. Despite some controversies surrounding unconventional endings, such as the one in "Reason to Breathe," these narratives can still resonate deeply with readers, thanks to their emotional depth and the unique perspectives they offer.
