Writing Is Not About A Formula Or Algorithm

I am writing this as I sit through a training course on a literacy computer curriculum and wanted to give you all something to think about. I actually hear this all of the time from authors, and even from presenters teaching workshops. There is a belief that if you do certain things, write in a certain fashion, structure your stories a certain way, and so forth, you mysteriously have a great story. Unfortunately, this is far from true. As we always say in writing, it comes down to the story.

Authors need to start looking at their writing as a unique identity. What you as an author does with one particular story will be different than what you would do for another story. The same goes for what you do compared to another author. Everything is story dependent.

So what does this mean? Let's consider a few examples. 

I often hear that New Adult should be done in first person. Is this true? No! Is there a trend that a lot of these books are in first person? Sure, but that does not mean that every story has to be done this way. As you look at your story, what is it that your story needs to best tell that story? If it means do this in third person, then take that approach. 

What about category/series romance. There is again no formula here. If you want to alternate chapters with the hero in one chapter and the heroine in the other, and that works for you, then do it. Do you find it easier to split a chapter in two where the first half is in one character's POV and the second half is in another character's POV, then go for it. 

Do you write romantic suspense and want to start with the villain first? Then go for it. If you want to hold that character back until a bit later in the book, then you can do that as well.

Now, with that said, does this mean it is a free-for-all when it comes to writing? In this case, no. Genres have standards the readers are expecting. Publishers have expectations for their lines. Are these formulaic? Not in the least bit. These are VERY broad guidelines that you can work within. You have a lot of flexibility.

Remember, this always comes back to your story, your goal, and your approach.