As a writer, it's crucial to establish your identity early so readers know what to expect. In my five years of writing and publishing books, I've learned that managing reader expectations is the biggest key to long term success.
From the start, I decided to write happy endings. This decision was initially selfish. Life had taken me down some dark roads (you can read about them in my travel memoir, Scotland with a Stranger), and I wanted to believe that good would triumph over evil. I wanted to offer my readers hope for a brighter future.
I've remained true to this philosophy, even as I've explored new stories featuring middle-aged and older female characters who triumph over evil men and restore justice. In the end, the bad guy always gets what he deserves. Some have criticized the series, calling it anti-male rhetoric. That's okay; they're entitled to their opinion. (Sarcasm sidebar: If men are so great, why do we call the evildoers "bad guys"? Don't come for me in the comments—I love most men, especially the one I married.)
I'm fascinated by why people read what they do.
I’ve found most readers fall into one of these four categories:
To escape reality and live vicariously through others
To feel seen and heard, and validate their feelings
To process complex emotions
An addiction to trauma
Stories help us make sense of our own lives and mentally prepare us for intense situations. The best stories stay with you, becoming part of who you are. If your mind keeps circling back long after you've closed the book, that's the sign of a great read.
I'm particularly moved by books that challenge my beliefs and open a door to different perspectives. Over the last 48 years, I've learned that nothing is black and white, and there are two sides to every story. A recent read, All the Ugly and Wonderful Things, challenged some of my deeply held beliefs. Did it change my stance on a 14-year-old having a romantic relationship with a twenty-four-year-old? No. But did I gain a deeper understanding of how it could occur within the narrative of addiction and abuse? Absolutely. Am I conflicted about it and the message it sends? Also yes.
Have you ever read a book that makes you feel like you need to take a shower after reading it? Or one that hangs a heavy cloud over you? Some people seek these out during painful times to feel less alone. Some readers may even take offense to happy endings because that hasn’t been their experience.
I approach it differently. When I'm depressed, I consciously choose what I feed my brain. I know that if I want to feel good, I need to choose hope. I need to see someone overcome insurmountable obstacles and emerge stronger. I know from experience I can spiral down if I feed my brain darkness during these periods so I choose not to.
As an author, is it easier to sell dark, traumatic, or taboo books? I believe it is, simply because of the shock value. Humans are hardwired to share the most shocking and vile with those they love: “Did you hear that guy murdered his entire family?” Or, "Taste this, it's disgusting."
But do I want to do it? No.
Addiction to trauma porn is real. You can become addicted to it, finding comfort in serial killer documentaries, for instance, because they distract from your own trauma that needs to be processed.
A reader once told me, "You rip out my heart every time, but by the end, you put it back together in a way that makes me believe in hope again." To me, this is the best kind of compliment.
Life can be hard. I believe in sowing seeds of hope through my work and will continue to write happy endings because I believe that's what the world needs. Is it more difficult to generate buzz and be financially viable on this track? Yes. But the emails I get from readers are priceless. When someone finishes one of my books, I want them to feel good, not lose another glimmer of hope in humanity.
I will continue writing my happily ever afters because that is what I deserve. You do too.
What kind of reader are you? Let me know in the comments below!
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Hi Blair, So nice of you to articulate so many of my own thoughts and experiences about being a reader. Like you, I read for the feel good experiences for the most part. Life is hard enough so avoidance of the trauma stories is my path.
Validation and vicariously experiencing other points of view are equally important to me. Imagination is a precious quality. Thanks for sharing yours. Teina Wells