An Ending to My Book?

Question

I have finally reached the last five or six chapters of my first novel, and I have a good idea for them. The problem is, is that three of the main (sort of main) characters will die. Since I am planning on making it into a trilogy, I need opinions on whether this is a good idea (the reader will want to know what happens next) or a very bad idea (the reader will decide not to finish the trilogy because three important characters died in the first book, and in a mere couple of chapters). It's a fantasy book about a great war, if that helps at all. Thank you!

Answer 1

About trilogies:

I think you should *always* write each book as if it is your last. If it is well-accepted, *then* you can consider writing a sequel. If it is a dud, you don't feel as if you wasted time preparing for a book that you will never write. That doesn't mean that you shouldn't already have several ideas about what should be in the sequel - it just means that *every* effort should go into making *this* book great. The worries of the second book should not be an issue until the first is finished.

So, if it makes the first book better, kill then *all* off! Your objective at this point should not be to make a great 2nd book, but a great 1st book. That should be your *only* concern. When writing the next, *then* be concerned about making it great, too.

Jim, http://www.life-after-harry-potter.com

Answer 2

Don't think in terms of a trilogy or even a follow up now. Publishers and agents don't want to think about that. They don't want to get stuck buying two or three books from you in a deal in the event the first book tanks. They would much rather buy one book and then play it by ear after it comes out. Saying a book is a trilogy makes publishers and agents nervous. Even with a trilogy or a series, each book should have a definitive ending. The next book is usually just another story with the same characters in it. It is better you sell one book with an ending and if it does well, you can negotiate a better contract for the next two.

The sports figure I ghostwrite for had a contract for one book. The publisher wasn't real sure it was going anyplace. It did - big time. So they were happy to give him a second contract that was much more lucrative.

Just end the first book the way you think it should end and take it from there. You have been working up to this point, end it the way you believe it should end -- even if it means three characters go. You created them, you can create more. Or perhaps the second book is a prequel and the characters can be back in it. Pax- C

Answer 3

I'd say it's a great idea, provided you have a few supporting characters. You could have the next book be centered around them, and then introduce even more supporting characters in the second book and get rid of a couple of them, but let one or two carry over to the last book, use the supporting characters from before (book 2), and then- surprise your readers- let them all survive. I'd definitely go for that. Hope it helps!

Answer 4

if it's a trilogy, why dont you kill of one per book? i think readers, having gotten used to, and comfortable with, the main characters might have trouble in finishing off the trilogy. that's a pretty harsh way to finish a book and expect people to continue with it. you could also make it possible that the person/people didnt die, by making the reader imagine possible scenarios in which they may have survived...and chomping at the bit to get the next book.
you could also cause something to happen (grave injury, enchantment or what have you) to the second in line to get the axe (pardon the pun) in your first book, which will ultimately lead to the death in the next book...
im not a professional writer, im just a book lover. and i know that if you killed off someone i'd gotten used to and started to love (let alone THREE of em) in the first book, i'd be less inclined to run out to get the next one...
good luck!
and add a p.s with the name of it so i can run out and buy your book...im a fantasy reader too...

Answer 5

I think one or two deaths would suffice, though three would turn me off personally.

Instead, you could make one of them disappear and make it unclear whether he/she was dead or not. At the very end, you could hint that the character is indeed still alive. Then readers would greatly anticipate the second book.

Answer 6

eh, are you going for a tragedy type?

if not, 3 is a little much, especially placed so close together. maybe you should limit yourself, choose one or two to suffer critical injuries but SURVIVE or something like that...

Reminds me of Hamlet, like how everyone dies but one. Yeah, i kinda hated that story. if you're still a sucker for tragedy, you could cripple one instead of killing him.

just saying...

Answer 7

I hate to kill off my characters especially if the story continues. I'm a writer too. Check out my website at http://www/rubysbooks.i8.com.