BBF: Why Happy Endings Matter by Brandon R. Luffman

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I hope everyone’s enjoying the Blogger Book Fair!

Today’s guest is supernatural horror writer Brandon R. Luffman, who surprised me when he suggested writing about happy endings — in horror fiction!? But then I read his post, and … well, let’s just say I hope you enjoy the piece as much as I did!

Why Happy Endings Matter in Horror


by Brandon R. Luffman

One of the first things we learn about stories is that they have a beginning, middle, and an end. These are the basic parts that make a story work, whether it’s a single paragraph scrawled beneath a crayon illustration by a grade-schooler, or the latest magnum opus from a New York Times bestselling author.

The beginning sets the stage. It creates the world the story takes place in, and it gets the reader into that world. The middle is where the meat of the story is. It’s where conflict builds and characters get their chance to change and overcome, or falter and face defeat. Then there’s the ending, where it all comes together. That’s the payoff; it’s the finish line the reader has been striving toward. If it’s a good story, it may be a bittersweet accomplishment, but the ending is the goal the reader sets out in search of from page one. Endings are what I’m on about here — particularly how they apply to the horror genre.

We all know endings aren’t always happy. Sometimes, the good guys fail, the bad guys win, and all is lost. In horror, this is a frequent occurrence. Even if the protagonist survives the events of a horror novel, his life may be a shattered ruin littered with the broken bodies of family and friends.

With regards to horror stories in particular, endings are special. Consider why we read horror. At its most basic, the horror genre is fun because it lets us play with those dark and primitive fears we’ve harbored since the days we first came down from the trees and took up residence in caves. The fear of the unknown, the flashing teeth that come in the dark, the things we see in the world around us that are simply beyond our understanding. Horror stories let us face these fears and even enjoy the adrenaline rush they bring, all in the comfort and safety of our well-lit, modern homes with their locked doors and security lights.

I see the happy ending as an important part of this genre. They can’t all be happy, of course. Sometimes, the story simply has to end in ashes and ruin, blood and tears. If nothing else, if every story had a happy ending, there would soon be no thrill. There must be stakes, risks to the characters the reader is invested in, or there’s no true fear, no adrenaline rush. When you write stories of the horrific, horrific things are going to happen to your characters.

But, when it plays out in such a way that the protagonist can overcome the horrors he or she has faced, then you have a shot at a happy ending. When that happens, you see that those fears are there for a reason. Sometimes there is something out there in the dark. Sometimes that sound wasn’t just the wind sighing under the eaves. But, sometimes you can face those demons and overcome.

And that, to me, is a big part of what horror fiction is about. It’s not just the thrill of terror, but the hope-filled heart that tells you, yes, there can be evil in the world, but sometimes the good guys win through in the end.

We all need more of that in our lives.

About the Author

Brandon R. Luffman

 Born in Statesboro, Georgia in 1976, Brandon Luffman was raised in rural North Carolina from the time he was old enough to walk. In the sixth grade he discovered The Chronicles Of Narnia. Soon after that, he was on to Stephen King and Arthur C. Clarke. At the same time, he was making his first forays into writing fiction. After creating a series of short fantasy pieces for a class assignment that were received with praise, he was hooked on writing fiction for the entertainment of others. Now Brandon writes supernatural horror as well as fantasy, science fiction, and other genres. His short fiction is available online in various formats. Brandon still lives on the family farm in northwestern North Carolina with his wife and family. Taking inspiration from his homeland, he brings southern sensibilities and a modern flair to these classic genre themes. His first novel, Frostwalker, was released in May of 2013.

Contact: Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Brandon’s Books
Frostwalker

There’s something in the woods behind Jake Marsden’s house – and someone wants him to find it. A strange dream shatters his sleep, night after night, and a compulsion to find the dark presence in the forest wars with his logical and ordered nature. What’s a geek to do?

When his small hometown of Wynn, North Carolina falls under an ancient curse, Jake will find himself in a battle against creatures worse than any he’s faced in a game. Playing for keeps, it will be geek versus god in the fight to stop an evil force bent on destroying everything he holds dear.

The Geek Shall Inherit The Earth – If They Live Long Enough.

Click here for more info and to read excerpts from the book.

Read the first third of the book for free at Smashwords!

Purchase Links

E-Book ($3.99 $2.99): Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Smashwords |  Kobo | Sony | Diesel | Versent | iTunes

Paperback ($7.99): Amazon | CreateSpace

The Card

When a strange tarot card appears in a friend’s deck, Jason assumes it’s just a prank done in poor taste. But, when terrible events befall those around him, he must face the possibility that something sinister is afoot.

Death is closing in, along with a suspicious detective who believes that Jason may be the killer he’s stalking. With his life turned upside down, Jason finds that there are worse things to be hunted by than the authorities.

This 4,500 word short is a supernatural horror story in the spirit of the pulp era, but with a modern feel.

Purchase Links ($0.99): Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Smashwords | Kobo | Diesel | Sony | Versent

Brandon is holding a giveaway for a paperback copy of FROSTWALKER. To enter, all you have to do is fill in the Rafflecopter below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Source: J.C. Martin, Fighter Writer