
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.