Saturday, April 27, 2013

X Is For X-Factor...

That's right. In any writing you'll always have the X-FACTOR.

Dun dun dun!

Definition: a circumstance, quality, or person that has a strong but unpredictable influence 

Now this isn't JUST for fantasy writing, my lovely readers. This is for any writing. What is the unpredictability?

In my fantasy world, I'd have to say it is the area around old Argisindya, where, after the city was destroyed, magic went "mad". If I were to pick a person, well, that would be the entire Li'endrin bloodline. Minus Alabassin. He's such a sweet boy.

The unpredictable is something that keeps your readers hooked. I love tossing in that x-factor. The thrill of knowing it is going to shock the reader, that's just downright awesome.

Do you like to be predictable or unpredictable in your writing? What about in what you are reading?

4 comments:

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

I admit my writing isn't really unpredictable, but I do have a couple elements in the third book that will surprise people.

Jai said...

I like it when I don't see it coming and then go back and say... YES!!

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

I love both, but the unpredictable does tend to have that wow factor over the predictable.

Unknown said...

I like the slow burning reveals that can sometimes span several books in setup, so when it hits it makes a lasting impact.