: Re: Given two alternative, strong endings to a novel, how to decide which one to use? I'm in the final polishing stages of a novel and I have two endings that both blow me away and I feel are

You may want to consider what the reader has been prepared for. What have you promised, either explicitly or not? Both endings might be strong to you, but I donâ€™t know that a reader would be equally satisfied by both.

How can a main character betraying (as I read it) the other be as viable as a happy reunion? The story surely points one way or the other?

Are there small hints that she is allies with the bad guys, besides her disappearing? Does she come off as untrustworthy? If there arenâ€™t, it will feel like unearned, cheap drama. (Like if Han ye-hawed in to shoot down Luke in Star Wars).

If there are hints, the happy ending may feel unsavory.

Also, at the beginning of the story, is the question of betrayal brought up? Is it a hopelessly dark story, or is there a promise of a hard fought happiness and optimism?

I think the character arcs and story must be very ambiguous for both endings to be viable. You might be too close to the story to make an unbiased assessment. Iâ€™d suggest finding a couple readers to read the first half and ask them if they want or expect a more happy or more dark ending. If they want a certain type of ending, that will be the satisying ending. If they expect one, thatâ€™s what the story is leading to.

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: Is there a market for all-ages novels? Historically, books and movies didn't always have a specific target age. While some material was just for adults, a lot of what we think of now as

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: Here is an app that tries to make it very easy to do exactly what you are trying to do: Plottr It's got a very graphical timeline which not only can be used for the main plot and subplots,

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: Describing Pain in First Person Present Tense Just a scene I pictured- (Character receives a syringe in the chest but doesn't feel the after pain until a moment later) Ex: Johnny begins to feel

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: How can I make an eldritch abomination out of humanity? The fanfic I'm writing is so that I may get into the swing of literature. A test story if you might like in the Mass Effect Universe.

: Re: Given two alternative, strong endings to a novel, how to decide which one to use? I'm in the final polishing stages of a novel and I have two endings that both blow me away and I feel are

More posts by @Smith147

: Is there a market for all-ages novels? Historically, books and movies didn't always have a specific target age. While some material was just for adults, a lot of what we think of now as

: Here is an app that tries to make it very easy to do exactly what you are trying to do: Plottr It's got a very graphical timeline which not only can be used for the main plot and subplots,

: Describing Pain in First Person Present Tense Just a scene I pictured- (Character receives a syringe in the chest but doesn't feel the after pain until a moment later) Ex: Johnny begins to feel

: How can I make an eldritch abomination out of humanity? The fanfic I'm writing is so that I may get into the swing of literature. A test story if you might like in the Mass Effect Universe.

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