Story Endings

[Godly Paladin]

I'm getting close to the end of the story I'm working on. (I'm on the 293 page, and I only forsee about 30 more.)

Because of the way I'm writing it, I have a great deal of flexibility. My problem is that I have a dilemma: how should I end the book?

I'm not talking about plot here, I'm talking about the 'feel'. Do you guys like sad endings or happy endings?

[Retten]

Um to me it depends if this is going to be s series or not. If it is well then a big dramatic ending would be nice, kind of like a semi conclusion to what's been going on but also leavening some things unsolved to get you to read the next book. If its just a single story then I would say a happy ending is my favorite but not a super happy one if you know what I mean...like something traumatic happens that kind of downcasts some things but overall the ending being a happy conclusion.

[Esoteric]

Um well...that's really a question you need to answer. But there are some things that can help you decide.

What ending did you first imagine? Happy or sad? That should be your first clue right there. As you wrote your story, it certainly underwent changes, and your ending may have drifted from the original plan, but in general, the 'flavor' of the original concept tends to remain.

If all along, you've been setting us up for a happy ending, don't kill everyone off. But, if you've given us doubts... presented us with situations and characters which can't be reconciled with an 'happily ever after' ending, don't force one. Let it be a bittersweet victory.
If you're debating about a sequel, don't make room for a sequel, simply for the sake of... a sequel. Sacrificing a solid ending so you'll have an excuse/option to make a sequel is generally a bad idea. The reader will see right through it and will be put off. Only leave room for a sequel if there's genuine material for one, but make sure you finish the story at hand.

Generally American audiences prefer a happy ending, and many Japanese movies have tragic endings...but there are exceptions to every rule.

[JoyfulSongs]

I've already answered this question, but...

I do not like sad endings. They are pointless. I want to throw the book across the room. Unless you are planning to buy a new computer ( ), make it a happy ending.

Seriously now, do you want your readers to feel empty/angry or uplifted/happy? That doesn't mean that it has to be unrealistically sugary sweet, but...you do want me to like the book, right?

[Godly Paladin]

I definitely detest super-happy endings, and, no, there isn't going to be a sequel. I suppose the 'target feeling' I want for my readers is something of a bittersweet emotion, but I want to attain that through better ways than just killing people off. Any ideas?

And I just hit 500 posts! Woot!

[Magekind]

Then consider the possibilities. Maybe a seperation after the smoke's cleared away. The romantic aspect can be just as drastic as the life/death part.

[Esoteric]

Hmmm, sadness without death... yeah, that's gotta be pretty relative to the story. But possibilites are unreconciled/unrequited love. Loss of a precious item or ability (people can be injured mentally and physically in ways that forever changes their lives). Regrets.

Basicaly whenever the ending is never quite what the main character(s) would have desired, will be bittersweet.
Such is much of life:
Yeah, we broke up, and I never got a chance to tell him....
He would have a been a great musician, but with the loss of his hand...
I had a real chance at that promotion, if only I could go back...

There should be some regrets. Regrets about relationships, about war, politics, futures, pasts.. whatever. Regrets will allow for sadness, but still allow for a good future...just a different future.

(sigh) I'm probably not helping much....I'll be quiet now.