Today's ISWG question is, do you leave readers with a cliffhanger at the end of of book? If I'm writing a trilogy series, I leave some unfinished business. I don't think I've had a major cliffhanger right at the end of any of my books. I like cliffhangers at the end of chapters. It makes you want to read more.
The next part of the question is, do you find cliffhangers annoying? It depends. If I'm invested in the characters and story, having a cliffhanger makes me want to read the next book, which is hopefully available or coming soon. I don't like to wait long to find out what's going to happen. If I'm not invested in the characters, then I find it annoying. Maybe I want to know what's next, but I don't feel inclined to spend more time on the story. Then I'll be left hanging.
What about you? Do you use cliffhangers? How do you feel about them?
My book, Bubba and Squirt's Shield of Athena is in the All Author Cover of the month contest. If you feel inspired, please vote for it! (You can do it anonymously.) Here's the link: https://allauthor.com/cover-of-the-month/18775/
I'll play it again with another orchestra in 2026.
Hope you all have a fantastic Holiday Season! See you next year!
Video is cool!
ReplyDeleteNot a fan of cliffhangers.
Happy to go vote for your cover.
Such a cool video! Congratulations on performing the Bohemian Rhapsody!
ReplyDeleteHappy Holidays!
I prefer satisfying ends to cliffhangers.
ReplyDeleteCliff hangers at the end of chapters are perfect. But at the end of a book? Not so much.
ReplyDeleteHappy you are having fun making music <3
Very cool. I don't like cliff hangers unless I have access to the next book or movie. Thanks for sharing. Happy holidays!
ReplyDeleteI like a combination of cliffhangers in series but with some ending to the plot in that book. And cliffhangers at the end of chapters are good to get readers to turn the pages.
ReplyDeleteHi, Sherry!
ReplyDeleteI share your assessment of the cliffhanger device. It can be overused. I prefer a sense of closure at the end of chapters and books.
You shine as a soloist, Sherry. You play beautifully and earn major style points as well. Me? I'm 75 now and still learning to wave bye-bye.
Thank you for visiting Shady's Place today. My next post is December 15. If I don't see you again until next year, I want to wish you happy holidays right here and now. Take care, dear friend Sherry!
How fun. Do you like performing "Bohemian Rhapsody"?
ReplyDelete