Before I begin on themes and topics, I have decided to look at patterns.
According to wikipedia, a pattern is a discernible regularity in the world, or in a man-made design. And as such, the elements of pattern repeat in a predictable manner.
In other words, it exists everywhere in nature and in everything people do.
Other descriptions for pattern include; design, arrangement, method, sequence, system, formula, shape, guideline, example... you can see where this is going.
Although patterns are especially noticeable in math and natural sciences, I'm referring to writing, which is a science all its own.
Call it what you will, and tell me you don't follow a pattern, that you simply write what takes your fancy, but whoever reads, sees it.
Of course it's the story readers like, but that hidden sequence that is part of you will manifest and grab them.Which is why they end up preferring an author over another.
Every romance, mystery, fantasy, horror, and all other classifications have resolutions. They don't all have to be good, but something must change by the last page.
Tell me that is not a pattern right there.
Again, why did I choose this subject?
I have noticed lately that many writers seem concerned about not coming across as unique, of simply being lumped together with others in a particular category and therefore becoming invisible.
Uniqueness reveals itself in the telling of a story, not how it's structured, because every tale revolves around "meet", "lose", and "get", and it makes no difference what genre it is.
Take the top writers in the world. None is worried about proving his or her distinctness. They simply sit down, know the rules to writing well, and then carry on.
