If It Matters To You, It Will Matter To Others

As a writer, I will gladly admit that I like to be in control.  It is what makes creating fake worlds with relatable characters so much fun!  When writing, it is important to remember that no matter how much you might favor one character over another (or if you love them all), the best thing you can do for them (and for your readers) is to throw up as many obstacles as you can.  You are not limited by what previous writers have done.  Your characters don't have to live happily ever after.  Who knows how that story really ended?  Maybe Cinderella divorced the prince and got the castle in the settlement; I mean, we just don't know.  Don't ever sanitize your writing to make someone else happy, because it will be a fleeting emotion for one; for another, you will never forgive yourself for it.  My point is, what makes great characters memorable is that they defied (or were condemned by) great obstacles.  Don't make it easy for your characters, because predictability will lead to the bargain bin...and who wants their work to end up there?