I often here people toss around the word “formulaic” as an insult when it comes to writing. But formulaic doesn’t have to be synonymous with bad. Everywhere I go in America I can get a bucket of KFC chicken that tastes basically the same. They not only admit to having a formula, they take pride in keeping it a secret. That suggests their formula is an important part of what’s bringing all the boys to the yard.
So why are formulas considered bad when it comes to writing? My number one guess is because people find predictability boring. But I don’t think something formulaic must be void of all surprise. After all, even if we’re headed from A to B then to C, there is no telling how we’ll get there.
And I also think people enjoy familiar patterns. I believe that’s why series are so popular. When people get a story they like in a way they like, they tend to want it again and again.
Which brings me to Kresley Cole. She is my goddess. I adore her Immortals After Dark series. I like some books more than others, but it’s definitely my favorite series overall and there have been eighteen books so far. As I was reading the last one, I noticed something. The story followed Kresley’s formula to a T.
Every plot point followed a pattern that can be found in most if not all of her books. And honestly, I loved it. It was a satisfying read that I thoroughly enjoyed. And not only that, 75% of her readers gave it a five star review. So she managed to please the vast majority of her audience with a formula that was tried and true, yet uniquely hers.
So why are formulas considered bad when it comes to writing? My number one guess is because people find predictability boring. But I don’t think something formulaic must be void of all surprise. After all, even if we’re headed from A to B then to C, there is no telling how we’ll get there.
And I also think people enjoy familiar patterns. I believe that’s why series are so popular. When people get a story they like in a way they like, they tend to want it again and again.
Which brings me to Kresley Cole. She is my goddess. I adore her Immortals After Dark series. I like some books more than others, but it’s definitely my favorite series overall and there have been eighteen books so far. As I was reading the last one, I noticed something. The story followed Kresley’s formula to a T.
Every plot point followed a pattern that can be found in most if not all of her books. And honestly, I loved it. It was a satisfying read that I thoroughly enjoyed. And not only that, 75% of her readers gave it a five star review. So she managed to please the vast majority of her audience with a formula that was tried and true, yet uniquely hers.
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