"How do you think SECRET
SISTER ended?"
My dear friend Kathleen R. asked me this question a few weeks ago. I was
surprised at her question, and my first thought was, ‘What do you mean, how do
I think it ended? I know how it ended. I wrote it.'
But of course her question was brilliant, like most things she says are. And it
got me thinking.
My opinion on how SECRET
SISTER ends is just that, my opinion. I weaved hints, clues, and
statements of fact throughout the 90,000 word novel. I ‘showed', like all we
authors try to do, what the various characters were thinking about the very
strange situation Cathy and Nick Chance found themselves in. And my opinion is
solidly based on my reading (and writing) of this contemporary ‘trading places'
romance.
But that doesn't make me the final word, or ‘right'. About any of it.
Authors tell their story, and if we do it well, the ending themes and situations
are clear and factually grounded in the incidents that make up the story. Yet,
I knew this but may have forgotten it, readers bring themselves to
every story. The novels we immerse ourselves in reflect back into us,
illuminating each of our unique life experiences. They let us confirm, and
question, our positions on life and love, and innocence and guilt, and on all
the wonderful complexity of the human soul.
How many wonderful arguments have each of us had over the years about a
particular character's true motives or emotional make-up? I've had several
heated ones in my critique group about New Yorker magazine short stories, books
and numerous films...some of the most heated about characters in each of our
books! "What do you mean he's a sniveling weakling, I think this shows he's
empathetic," I believe is an exact comment I uttered. Possibly more than once.
(My male characters are very in touch with their feminine side. HA!)
The reviews about SECRET
SISTER have certainly proven this to me...I have been shocked at readers
judging the book as ‘intense' or ‘painful'. I've loved that most find the plot
really hooks them and they can't figure out how it's going to end. But I've also
been unhappy that a few said they hated my characters ‘at one time or another'
when reading. How could they hate these folks, I wondered? Yes, they are flawed
and make mistakes, and are a bit self-involved, but... Okay, I just read that
and realize, yeah, readers could hate them. Some of the time (the author
wrote hopefully).
But why did some readers love these guys, and others not? Of course, Kathleen
R.'s comment is the answer. The words of the story touched something in each of
the readers, something unique and wonderful in their memory or heart, something
I may not have intended, but something real for that reader. And real for
the reader is real.
Reading is a collaborative sport, and the author doesn't get to
complain about what a reader concludes. No matter what. So, as for the ending
of SECRET SISTER?
One review on Goodreads and Amazon said, "The ending is not as neat as it
appears, and you will find yourself asking "what if ..."
This, in my somewhat shocked opinion as a writer, is a valid take away. It
wasn't consciously designed to be an ending open to interpretation. But I
realize that, if I tell the honest truth, a case can be made for SECRET SISTER'S final
scene to prove almost the opposite of what I intended.
Ahhh...the subconscious mind. All those experiences in my life, rising up and
ambushing my good narrative intentions. Or, fulfilling them?
The bottom line is ‘Yeah readers'. They get the final say what your book
‘means'. It is what the reading experience is really all about. Thank you,
Kathleen R., for reminding me of this.
(Readers...if you've read Secret Sister and would like to tell me how you
think it ends, please let me know! We'll start a Goodreads discussion.)
Email: [email protected]
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6 comments posted.
Great observation, Alyson Widen! Yes, many stories aren't all neatly wrapped up, and those are the ones I love the most. I mean, I don't want to be left hanging, but I do like to let my mind conclude what really happened, and how the characters continue. Thanks for posting! Emelle Gamble
(Marsha Nuccio 7:49pm November 9, 2013)
This is just my opinion, but I feel that when an Author writes a book, they put their heart and soul into it. I find it a bit rude for a reader to second guess what the Author is trying to portray as her ending. If they have a different opinion as to how the ending should be, perhaps they should become an Author themselves, or mention their opinion to the Author at a meet and greet. I've always read books and taken them at face value. When I've finished, then I form my opinion of either loving or hating the book, for whatever reason, but I've never said that I would change an ending to suit my needs!
(Peggy Roberson 10:40am November 10, 2013)
Peggy Roberson, thanks for posting! You bring up a great point...and I agree, I don't ever 'rewrite' an ending, but I must admit I like those old "Lady or the Tiger" kinds of endings occasionally, where the reader can make a case for two differing endings. I didn't think I did that with Secret Sister, but frankly I love that others have made a case for it having a bit darker ending that I intended. Again, many many thanks for posting!
(Marsha Nuccio 2:11pm November 11, 2013)
Debby Creager...Yes, it does end the way you decide. Thanks for understanding this...I have been overwhelmed by the response people have had to Secret Sister...and frankly, many of them 'got' things I didn't even see about loyalty and love and secrets. Thank you for posting. If you get a chance to read Secret Sister, let me know what you think! - Emelle Gamble
(Marsha Nuccio 2:13pm November 11, 2013)