So here's the question: do you like to know how a story ends before you read it?

I'm guilty of reading the last page before I start a novel, or even buying a book unless I trust the author to be consistent and give me what I want in the end. Usually, that's the happy, or at least a somewhat peaceful ending. Unless I'm reading something twisted, in which case...

Anyway, it seems like I've read too many stories where someone dies meaninglessly and I'm brought down instead of up, even if the character finds a reason to smile at the end. It's disappointing.

anyway, thoughts? Do you like being surprised, or do you want to know what you're getting into? I've thought about writing something tragic, but then I think, I couldn't do it unless I gave the people reading it fair warning first because I hate being brought down when it's unexpected so I could never feel right about doing it to someone else. Maybe that makes me a chicken when it comes to being a writer, but it's not because I'm afraid of what people will think, it's because I think reading should end with a happy experience. And would you read a story anyway, knowing that after all that invested time, it might break your heart?

Sincerely,

--feeling bitter and sleepy on top of bored and curious

PS. what's with the chat issues? I don't go in, but I don't like the sound of what's been going on (or what it sounds like has been going on from the topic in the lounge) No matter how many issues I have to deal with, or breaks I have to take, GA is the one place I keep coming back to because regardless of