To be honest I wasn't a fan of the Old Fire Station. I just felt it to be really small and the chairs were so UNCOMFORTABLE! Nonetheless, I was here to see the ever so talented Gabrielle Tozer and Ellie Marney and hear them both discuss happy endings and the importance of writing young adult fiction.
First to speak was Gabrielle Tozer, I sensed a really positive and enthusiastic aura about her. She was interesting, funny and just a relaxed type of person. She has written "The Intern" and "Faking It". The session discussed the importance of having a happy ending in a book and is it necessary all the time. "If the character has earned it and had some hardships along the way, then yes, I do feel like they are deserving of a happy ending" Tozer said. "The Intern" is about a young 17 year old girl aspiring to be a writer and the obstacles she faces to get where she wants to be. Tozer explained that writing a happy ending has to be believable and in a sense done in a way that conveys originality so the reader can appreciate it not just expect it.
Ellie Marney was also someone that oozed passion, humour and intellect. She has written the "Every" series which are a range of crime and murder mystery novels and follows the lives of Rachel Watts and James Mycroft and what unfolds when they both come together and investigate a murder. Marney's take on happy endings was straightforward and simple. "Adolescents don't always want to see the happily ever after, there at that age where they know that life isn't always happy. Things like death, mystery and life experiences can be good for them" Marney said. She further stated if it doesn't flow well with the book you don't need to put the happy ending in. However there must be some optimism and trust so the reader can feel a sense of hope.
Gabrielle Tozer and Ellie Marney both agreed on saying that in order for a happy ending it must fit within the structure of the book. You shouldn't put it in if it doesn't flow. My favourite quote was said by Tozer as she explained writing her novels were sometimes a struggle."As dark as things can be, there is always light" This to me resonated with what was said about happy endings and how they are perceived. No matter how hard or difficult situations can be in novels, there can always be light at the end of the tunnel.
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