Open-Ended Stories and Why I Write Them
If you’ve been reading my books for any length of time, you know there are some that have the beginning of more stories embedded inside. Whether it be characters or scenes from places or maybe a minor unresolved thread. Not all of my books start off as series and not all of them need or warrant additional books. I do this for several reasons that might not be apparent to all readers.
One… So it leaves the readers wondering and questioning. I always like shows and movies that leave me curious as to how the characters are doing after The End. I do, most of the time, prefer my own imagination and fantasy. I like to imagine the characters are still together five, ten, twenty, forever years after.
Two… It leaves the door open for more stories if there’s enough interest from either the readers or from me.
Three… Not every book is supposed to be more than what it is. Some books should stop after roughly 100 pages, but instead the author goes on and on and on for another 100 or 200. Um… No. There’s a point to a story. The author knows it. It’s up to the reader to figure it out. For instance, maybe a character needs to learn something, grow, kick a bad habit to the curb, or come to some realization. Not all of these things take 300 pages to tell.
Four… Shorter books are fun. A quickly little ditty. Something to make the reader forget reality for a while. Something to provide an escape. A couple hours mental vacation. Not everyone wants or has time for 300 page epics. Personally, I like both.
Christmas Wishes is just over 25,000 words. 86 pages. Are there characters who could get their own little stories? Yep. Are there a few things left to be answered? Sure. But there ALWAYS is in any size book. There’s an insatiable desire for more. Always for more. I get that. Sometimes I want more to a story. Sometimes I don’t.
If you’re wanting more of the characters and places and atmosphere of Christmas Wishes or any of my books, drop me a line in an email or leave a comment. Doesn’t mean it’ll happen. Doesn’t mean it won’t. But at least I’ll know one way or another.
~lissa
P.s. YES Courtney, I know. Book 3 and Riko’s book and Mac’s book, too. Got it!
