You're hooked. You're so vested in the story you become part of it. You've been on the journey with the characters since day one. You've ridden the emotional rollercoaster, shared in the triumphs, conquered the demons only for one more obstacle to crop up at the end. You're on the edge of your seat...waiting....waiting. Then the unthinkable happens:
A fucking CLIFFHANGER.
But that's not the worst.
The sequel isn't even fucking written. (insert rant here)
Cliffhangers are excellent story devices if done RIGHT. Too many authors don't do that shit right. They leave you hanging for months or worse YEARS. By the time they write the sequel, you've forgotten the damn story and have to re-read the whole thing.
Ain't nobody got time for that.
If you decide to leave off on a cliffhanger, for the love of all that is holy, have the first five chapters of the sequel done. If you're writing and sharing you want people to come back. It's a good way to piss them off and make them lose interest.
YOU ARE READING
How to Irk a Reader as a Writer
HumorJust random thoughts about things that writers do that irk me as a reader. Fueled by caffeine, lack of sleep, or reaction to something I've read. Take none of this serious! Be offended at your own risk.
