I had never realized before reading the first chapter that most of the mainstream novels were considered "formula fiction". Actually, I had never even heard of that term. I do agree that these type of books are for entertainment and an "escape" from reality and that they can be "emotionally satisfying". I do enjoy reading these type of books, i guess because they take very little thought, altough i like to read more complex books as well. I also was a bit surprised bout the "Composite of a Romance Tip Sheet". I know most novels constitute of the same patterns, but i was shocked that publishers actually ask for these specific details, especially the specificness of the heroine and hero. Reading those few pages made me think back to some books I have read and i could instantly see how authors follow this tip sheet.