IWSG: Cliffhangers: Good, bad, or indifferent?

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It's the first Wednesday of the Month, and that means time for our Insecure Writers Support Group posts! I'm having to make a fast trip to California this week, so I may be slow responding, but I will get to you if you leave a comment!

 


Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!

Posting: The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. Post your thoughts on your own blog. Talk about your doubts and the fears you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in the group and connect with your fellow writer - aim for a dozen new people each time - and return comments. This group is all about connecting!
 
Don't forget you can post your link on the IWSG Facebook page!
 
Let’s rock the neurotic writing world!
Our Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and hashtag is #IWSG
 
The awesome co-hosts for the December 4 posting of the IWSG are Ronel, Deniz, Pat Garcia, Olga Godim, and Cathrina Constantine!

Every month, we announce a question that members can answer in their IWSG post. These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience or story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you are struggling with something to say. 
Remember, the question is optional!

December 4 question - Do you write cliffhangers at the end of your stories? Are they a turn-off to you as a writer and/or a reader?
 
 
I can't wait to see what people say about this one, because I think you either love cliffhangers--or hate them. I fall into the latter camp. I like things to be tied up neatly at the end of a book, and that's true if I'm writing or reading. I may in fact like things too tidy, but there it is. Life isn't neat and tidy and there really aren't endings, and I think that's why I like them in books. I want to know how it all turned out and what will happen for the rest of the characters' lives. That being the case, I definitely don't write them in my books and may, as noted, have a desire to tie things up too tightly.
 
Writing update:
I've been working like crazy on my new book, in the "spew out a rough draft" stage of things and have made it to over 44,000 words. The story is shaping up, but with the usual struggle with the middle, so right now I'm just gritting my teeth and pushing on, knowing I'll have to do some serious editing. Family stuff has been pretty distracting, and will continue to be, but I'm hoping to finish by Christmas. Watch my progress on the counter in the sidebar.
 
No new submissions this month, and no new rejections. One residency application completed and submitted.
 
 I've also entered my books in the Smashwords End of Year Sale--only at the Smashwords store, with deep discounts from Dec. 12 to January 1! First in series for the Ninja Librarian and the Pismawallops PTA mysteries are free, other books are either 50% off or just 99 cents.


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©Rebecca M. Douglass, 2024
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Comments

  1. Natalie AguirreDecember 4, 2024 at 3:45 AM

    You're right about people either loving or hating cliffhangers. I'm in the other camp from you. It's awesome you're getting so much writing done. I hope you finish your project by Christmas, but it's okay if it takes you a bit longer. This time of year is busy. Happy Holidays!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Rebecca M. DouglassDecember 4, 2024 at 8:32 AM

      I'm not pressuring myself, but I do like to get the whole thing out while I can keep (some of) the details in my head! And that means writing it fast.

      Delete
  2. Pat GarciaDecember 4, 2024 at 5:15 AM

    Hi,
    Good luck with your new book. Working on something creative that pleases you is one of the nicer things that can happen at this time of the year.
    Have Merry Christmas.
    Shalom shalom

    ReplyDelete
  3. Alex J. CavanaughDecember 4, 2024 at 5:45 AM

    That's great you'll have the next story finished by Christmas. Perfect time to take a break then.

    ReplyDelete
  4. H. R. SinclairDecember 4, 2024 at 7:58 AM

    I should sign up for the Smashwords sale too. I think I was an email in my inbox. Happy Holidays.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Rebecca M. DouglassDecember 4, 2024 at 8:33 AM

      I don't sell much that way, but any are better than none, right?

      Delete
  5. cleemckenzieDecember 4, 2024 at 8:57 AM

    As I navigate the IWSG posts today, I find that most of us are in the same camp as you, Rebecca. Congratulations on the zero rejections for the month and on your new book! https://cleemckenziebooks.substack.com/p/the-history-ghost-part-3and

    ReplyDelete

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