Goodreads Authors/Readers discussion

Comparing an HEA to a carwash...

Okay - confession time...I write HEA's.

Maybe it is the harrowing events that have taken place in my life that encourage me to write stories that end with a sugar coating. But whatever the contributing factors I prefer my stories to have a happy ending.

I liken it to driving my car through the carwash...

When I drive my winter worn car through a car wash, at first it seems a little exciting or maybe even a little anxiety producing. Did I line up the car properly? Are all of my window closed? Did I remove the 700 magnets I have stuck to the back of my car representing the endless amount of sports and charitable interests that we partake in? Oh shoot - am I in neutral?
Then the ride begins and I leave my worries behind because it is essentially at that point out of my hands. I watch in wonder as the mechanical sponges spiral around the car working their magic. As the car nears the tarantula like rags that dangle from above blanketing my vehicle (always a highlight of the trip for me,) I get that hint of terror that something other than a clean rinse might be lurking on the other side. And then I emerge seeing the light at the mouth of the tunnel as it begins to draw near. I anticipate the ending hoping for the best possible outcome.

So here it is ...

I don't want to exit the tunnel seeing water spots, salt stains and dirty tire spokes. I want to feel refreshed, shiny and satisfied knowing things turned out just the way I'd hoped. Maybe even get blown away by the super sized dryer that culminates at the end ;)
That's what I hope to deliver with every story I write. Okay - so you may not be blown away by my novels per say...But hopefully in the end you will have enjoyed the ride.
The Beginning of January

There is nothing wrong with a happy ending. The good guys have to win some times or else why be good. I tend to like HFN pauses as I see them as more realistic.