Euterpe Authors on Cliffhangers

Question of the Week: 

"What are your thoughts on cliffhangers?"

Dusty Crabtree

Obviously, authors want you to buy the next book of their series, but how much resolution is enough to satisfy the readers so they don’t feel cheated? Or is the frustrating sensation of not knowing what happens also a fun, exciting sensation…in a strange, sadistic kind of way? I enjoy the desire to read more in a series, but I also enjoy a strong, satisfying resolution. So I guess I’m torn on the whole cliffhanger thing as a reader.

As a writer, I’m in the middle too. I feel like my urban fantasy Shadow Eyes doesn’t end in a cliffhanger so much as some of the characters and sub-plots are left stranded on top of the cliff, waving at the readers, telling them they’ll see them again in the sequel.

Buy Dusty's book Shadow Eyes from Musa Publishing.


Cornell DeVille

I am a HUGE fan of cliffhangers. In my opinion, they are an excellent way to keep the reader turning the pages and not stopping at the end of a chapter (which is the best place to insert a cliffhanger.) I typically like to construct my chapters (of middle grade and young adult mysteries and thriller) using a cliffhanger at the end of each chapter. If you've read Lost in the Bayou, I'm sure you'll know what I'm talking about. It's critical that you don't allow the reader to stop reading, and a cliffhanger is an excellent tool to help ensure that action.

Buy Cornell DeVille's books Lost in the Bayou and others from Musa Publishing. 


Linda Benson





I love cliffhangers as chapter endings (as long as they're not overdone, so that it appears artificial.) I love the idea of having to "turn the page" and not put the book down.

But I truly dislike cliffhangers as book endings. I feel cheated, somehow, that I don't know what's going to happen, and feel forced to run out and buy another book to find out.

I was truly surprised at some of the reaction I got to my book The Girl Who Remembered Horses. I felt that the story was wrapped up, and most storylines explained. But many readers told me they wanted more, and so I am working on a sequel to this book. Perhaps I should feel honored that they liked my characters so much, they wanted to read more about them. I'm hoping this is the case. I certainly don't think this book has a cliffhanger ending. For those who have read it, what do you think?

Buy Linda's books The Girl Who Remembered Horses and others from Musa Publishing.