Blogging is an opportunity for authors to connect with readers. Despite being writers, blogging is an entirely different style of writing and often stumps us. To help our authors blog consistently, thoughtfully and with purpose, Marketing for Romance Writers is announcing the 2018 Blog Challenge. Each week, authors use our writing prompt to create a meaningful blog post. We'll be posting every Friday... join us as often as possible.
Week 41: "Epilogue or No?"
I read and write mostly romance and there's always a moment after you get to the end of a really good book that you want to be reassured that the characters you invested so much of your life and time in will definitely turn out fine. And sometimes it's just because it's so difficult to let go of those wonderful characters. The Epilogue can set some of your worries at ease.
What is an Epilogue?
The section at the end of the book. It usually takes place after the action of the story, sometimes a few days later, sometimes a few years. If you're reading a romance, then sometimes the author fast forwards a few years to let the reader glimpse the life of the hero and heroine after they connected at the end of the story. Maybe they're married and have children.
Why Write an Epilogue?
By giving a glimpse of the character's life after the events of the book you bring a sense of closure to your reader. Readers are reassured that all is well with their characters who, frankly, if an author does it well enough, seem like real-life friends.
This is also a great place to tie up some of those elusive loose threads. Maybe those unanswered questions didn't find a place in the story, but readers deserve to know those answers.
What Do I think?
Personally, I enjoy reading epilogues. In fact, my favorite epilogues are written by Julia Quinn who then went on to publish an entire book of them. Her stories of the Bridgertons are simply wonderful and it's difficult to let go of those characters after you're finished reading them. Those epilogues bring a sense of satisfaction and contentment and definitely leave me smiling and wanting to read another of her books.
Be sure to visit the posts for the MFRW's Blog Challenge!
I write sensual paranormal and historical romances. Interested in learning more about my stories? Sign-up for my newsletter where you'll learn about my new book releases, updates on my works-in-progress, writing tips, book reviews, contests, and other fun book-related info!
Happy Writing!
~Tricia
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