Obviously, one man and one woman falling in love and getting married is the traditional HEA. But so many erotic romances revolve around other kinds of relationships. I’m intrigued by the fact that one person’s HEA is not necessarily that of another.I am a big fan of ménage love stories. I love reading about more than two people trying to navigate the romance waters together. In sci-fi and fantasy books, where relationships can be defined by a different set of rules, HEA is easy to see. In stories set in the real world, can there still be a HEA in this situation? I believe the answer is 100% yes. I’m a romantic (kind of goes with the territory, doesn’t it?) and can see, for example, two men and one woman committing fully to each other and sharing a wonderful life together.
My quandary at the moment revolves around relationships between immortals and humans. Allow me to construct a scenario. Todd is a 400 year old vampire. Betty is a 36 year old human. They experience all of the trials and tribulations we would expect in a fantastic romance novel and finally declare their love and devotion to each other. Part of me feels this is a perfectly satisfying HEA, but the trouble making part of me keeps throwing out questions. Is it necessary for Betty to be ‘turned’ so they will be together for all eternity? What if Todd offers the possibility and they agree to decide later? Or Betty decides she wants to stay human and they will be together for her natural life span? Maybe it’s not discussed in the story at all?
What are your thoughts on the subject?
Tessie
www.tessiebradford.com
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Happiness can be forever only because the "human forever" is finite. Maybe Betty could make 150 or so because of her realtionship with Todd - she gets to enjoy an extended life...then she could die and leave Todd available down the road for a sequel.
ReplyDeleteK
I like the idea of him offering, but giving her the opportunity to decide later. It gives the possibility for a sequel. :)
ReplyDeleteIt would be a tough sell if she was turned, unless it was a single book and no sequel was planned. That way it can be a happily ever after. But can you really ignore his previous 400 years or living? What about his first love? What happens as she grows to be 100+ (longer live maybe, but still old) as she grows weaker and weaker. Stuff to consider.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely the offer should be made. I don't really see what's in it for Betty other than saving a fortune on sun block over her lifetime...the downside is that she doesn't see daylight ever again. lol Ok...undying love 'n all that but it's a big 'ask'. Perhaps the HEA is simply that a vampire and a human find love. I'd leave the dilemma for the sequel.
ReplyDeletePS Asking the question is selfish. Someone who has lived for 400 years knows the pain and lonliness of watching everyone you ever loved die...hmmm
PPS - I agree with Tassit - she beat me to it! lol
ReplyDeleteK, Amber, Tassit and Pamela - your insights are EXACTLY what I was looking for!!! I really appreciate you taking the time to help me!
ReplyDeleteThe quality of life not quantity could be stressed. In many ways the 400 year old Vampire would be at the disadvantage to a free-thing 36 year old woman. You could do a contrast in the quality of life He may choose someday to "Go" with her and face his fate...
ReplyDeleteXXOO Kat
HEA doesn't seem like an option if she isn't a vampire or he can't "de-vampire" himself. I'd leave the ending "open" with them deciding to commit to each other and delete the "hows" from the actual story.
ReplyDeleteMaybe that's why I can't seem to write a romance that includes a vampire...can't figure out to make a "forever" relationship last.
April-you obviously feel my vampire pain! I love the genre, have a story 15,000 words done (not Todd and Betty but now I don't hate them??))and I'm struggling with the ending!
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