I come from a math background, and I must say I love the surety that 2+2=4. It is complete. It is correct and certain. But do you want the same thing from your books? That's hard to answer, and the answer isn't as well defined as my math problem.
Do you like formulaic books? There are probably movies or books that we all like that admittedly are tied up neatly in some formula. You can tell this is the case when you know exactly how the story is going to end. The geeky boy will get the cute girl when one of them gets over themselves. Or the main character is saved at the last minute by some unlikely hero. And those stories can be good. We can enjoy them and smile as we read. But do they leave you thinking about them for days to come? Do they pierce your soul?
The unexpected, unpredictable novel can leave a lasting impression, and kidnap your thoughts when you're supposed to be doing something else. It can make you wonder or shiver. It can leave you thirsty for more. This is, of course, the harder book to write.
So, should a writer reach for the stars with a profound book, or simply settle for the formulaic, yet profitable novel? Is it better to succeed at mediocrity or fall short of perfection?
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