Beginning and Ending

The beginning of a novel is important because it serves as a hook that arrests the readers' attention and keep them going page after page. Endings too are important because it's the conclusion of an exciting narrative. 

How should a sci-fi novel end? Should it leave readers guessing? Give them a "feel good" aftertaste? Reduce them to tears? Or keep them at the edge of their seats and wanting more?

Most fairy tales and fantasies tend to gravitate towards a "happily ever after" kind of ending, some with a slight twist of light humor or dark shades of uncertainty.

Sci-fi narratives, on the other hand, are usually somber or predicated with an element of unknown, as if the ending is but the beginning of something far more sinister or demanding a future scenario that will resolve the tragedy or catastrophe introduced in the parting shot.

Most authors would love to have a smashing debut for their first titles with the hope of riding on the successes with a sequel or even a trilogy, as they gain a strong following and ardent fans who love their styles of writing.

For me, I think I'll leave the options open for now.