It’s safe to assume that some of us have read a romance at least once in a while. Whether it be historical, or young adult, or paranormal, there are many romances that have captivated us, so much so that we can’t help but read that specific genre. Sometimes, we read it for the enjoyable sex scenes, while other times, we like the ‘will they, won’t they’ moments that have us on the edge of our seats. In fact, the romance genre is a huge staple of modern literature, so much so that indie publishers have popped up here and there, wanting to lay claim to our attention. But whatever differences there are within romances, there’s still that vague topic of writing in a happy ending.

We see happy endings as important, even essential, to every story. Most of the movies that Hollywood produces, or the books that authors have written, end with a happily ever after, or at least, a happy for now ending. The publishing industry simply assumes that everyone likes a happy ending. And in most cases, this is true. After all, we don’t want to see our two favorite characters struggling, only to have to leave the other behind. 

In other words, happy endings are a way to tie a story together, all under the guise of a neat little bow. They tell us that this character’s story, or at least part of it, is finished, and that everyone can live happily. With the happy for now ending, there is an element of mystery that will leave the reader hungry for more. Nonetheless, these endings are seen as a good thing, simply because it lets us know that everything is clean cut, and that there’s no need to revisit these concepts. Such is the case with different books or movies. 

However, sometimes authors want the benefit of writing an ending without resolving everything in the process. This usually happens for a number of reasons, such as when they end the book prematurely, leaving a number of glaring mistakes. For example, say your heroine and her love interest are fighting. At first glance, it’s hate at first sight. And then, about two chapters later, they’re already starting to fall in love, and they suddenly turn into this mopey couple that has trouble keeping their hands to themselves. It makes the reader go, “When did this happen?” And while it might be that sort of whirlwind romance, we’re still struggling to find out just how it happened. 

Again, happy endings can give the reader closure. It can help readers understand just how these characters fall in love, and how close they are. What’s more, we can introduce a number of elements with different happy endings. Still, please be aware that if you try to force it, especially when you plan for something else, it’s going to turn out strange. For instance, you could be changing all the details in your story to fit that one ending. You could be changing key character traits. 

But, hey, the end justifies the means, right?