In my writing community, I’ve been “dinged” for not tying up loose ends. You did well, and it’s okay to encourage your readers to feel a bit uncomfortable...encourage them to engage their imagination in a world that’s almost always telling us what to think and how to feel.
I think more writers are embracing that these days, but there is still a sense that "rules must be followed." Really, we were always free to break rules. You just need to know what those rules are so you can break them with intention rather than ignorance. 🤣
I loved the story, Dascha! What a neat image to work with, too. My imagination is telling me that he has come home (born again, maybe - reincarnated?) to search for his lost lover. But he can only find the painting, which is the only lasting remnant of her. She, like him, was swallowed up by the river.
These types of stories are so much fun. I enjoy filling in the gaps/questions!
Oh, I like that interpretation. Where had he been reborn? Why did it take him most of a lifetime to find his way back? And, if reborn, how did he come across the picture? So many possibilities!
I loved this story! I don't think the contract with the reader is to tie up loose ends. I think the contract is to provide an emotionally satisfying ending. You definitely did that here! I love pondering loose ends in a story, but I don't like a lack of emotional closure.
Thanks, Jason. There's a traditional expectation that a writer will not leave any elements of a story hanging. I personally think that's more important in long fiction, and even there, sometimes it's okay to do so, say in a series. That's not to say you don't leave questions, but if you start a thread, you are expected to complete it. I suppose, in a way, I did complete it by making it clear the mystery remains. I love opening up possibilities and leaving them for readers to ponder.
Thank you, Connie! I think this really creates a real opportunity to encourage readers to make a story their own. Whatever you imagine for Iceman IS the story for you.
In my writing community, I’ve been “dinged” for not tying up loose ends. You did well, and it’s okay to encourage your readers to feel a bit uncomfortable...encourage them to engage their imagination in a world that’s almost always telling us what to think and how to feel.
I think more writers are embracing that these days, but there is still a sense that "rules must be followed." Really, we were always free to break rules. You just need to know what those rules are so you can break them with intention rather than ignorance. 🤣
Yes, well said, Dascha. 😉
This is wonderful! I love creating stories around him in my imagination so I like that no answers were given. Reader participation!
🥰
I loved the story, Dascha! What a neat image to work with, too. My imagination is telling me that he has come home (born again, maybe - reincarnated?) to search for his lost lover. But he can only find the painting, which is the only lasting remnant of her. She, like him, was swallowed up by the river.
These types of stories are so much fun. I enjoy filling in the gaps/questions!
Oh, I like that interpretation. Where had he been reborn? Why did it take him most of a lifetime to find his way back? And, if reborn, how did he come across the picture? So many possibilities!
Questions upon questions! Such a fun story. 😀
I loved this story! I don't think the contract with the reader is to tie up loose ends. I think the contract is to provide an emotionally satisfying ending. You definitely did that here! I love pondering loose ends in a story, but I don't like a lack of emotional closure.
Thanks, Jason. There's a traditional expectation that a writer will not leave any elements of a story hanging. I personally think that's more important in long fiction, and even there, sometimes it's okay to do so, say in a series. That's not to say you don't leave questions, but if you start a thread, you are expected to complete it. I suppose, in a way, I did complete it by making it clear the mystery remains. I love opening up possibilities and leaving them for readers to ponder.
Lovely mystery, I like the new contract. It leaves room for the reader's imagination. No need to wrap this gift 🎁
Thank you, Connie! I think this really creates a real opportunity to encourage readers to make a story their own. Whatever you imagine for Iceman IS the story for you.