I've recently been working on a romance novel I started years ago. The characters have been calling out to me to give them a voice and get their story down on paper (or computer screen). I've had all the research done and the outline finished for quite a while, so know exactly how it ends. I was told that in order for a book to fit into the romance genre, it has to end happily with boy getting girl. In the beginning, that is exactly how my book ended, but recently I've been hearing this voice in my head that's urging me to kill off one of the main characters. YIKES!! Now what? Here's the set up:Jake has been searching for Annie for over 16 years after she disappeared one night with no word. He's spent every dime of his country music career on PIs and still come up empty. As a favor to his agent, he agrees to judge a talent contest in Ketchum, Idaho, hoping to get some time off from the band and long hours of touring. The last participant in the contest is a 15 year old red head girl that sings a song that is familiar to him. He and Annie wrote it together when they were in high school. He tracks the girl down after the contest, finding Annie.
The book continues with him wanting answers and her not willing to give them until he finds out the real reason she left. (not giving this away) The orginal storyline has them getting married and sealed in the temple along with the girl (Sage) being sealed to them. But now I'm thinking Annie may die, leaving Jake to take care of Sage. There's a lot within the story that would make this new storyline make sense and as we know, real life doesn't always end happily ever after, but would this make my readers mad?
I remember watching the movie, "City of Angels" with Meg Ryan and Nicholas Cage. I was so upset at the end when Meg's character died. But thinking back, it sure was a powerful ending and brought a lot of emotions up, including me crying my eyes out.
So, what do you think? What genre would this alternate ending fit into and how do you think it would be received by my readers? Would you kill off your main character? Have you? And, if I go with the first ending, what would make it more powerful?
Hmm. Life is fleating, why can't romance echo life eh?
ReplyDeleteI've dealt with this dilema before and was told that no it's not romance. however Women's fiction. Good luck with your characters.
I definately think the ending would be more powerful with Annie dying. Yes, it is bittersweet, but what a life-changing experience to have! It will really make him and his new daughter closer. I think it will be a great story. I'm getting teary eyed just thinking about it.
ReplyDeleteAnd I agree with Keith-- that would make it women's fiction, not romance.
Good luck! Can't wait to read it!
Well, what are Nicholas Spark's books considered? I thought they were romance, and some ALWAYS dies in his books!! But I guess if your not sure, women's fiction would fit, or religious fiction since they marry in the temple? Those are just some of my thoughts.
ReplyDeleteDo what the story is telling you to do. I think it would make a powerful story. I would say it's women's fiction. Good luck.
ReplyDeleteHi Chris!
ReplyDeleteI had a tickling hunch you were going to kill poor Annie off you meanie! ;)
yeah, I have to agree with everyone else--if Annie dies, it would be considered women's fiction unless Jake has to deal with Sage's new boyfriend and HER getting married--but that would not go with the plot, would it? Let's brainstorm!
Trust your imagination.
ReplyDeleteI threw Spark's "Message in a Bottle" across the room upon reading the ending. I despised City of Angels because of the ending. Just sayin'...
ReplyDelete