skzb wrote: >It has more to do with thinking, "Oh. Someone >else came up with that? Well, I guess it must be too predictable/" I hate >being predictable. On the other hand, changing something I think is cool >just because someone else had the idea is problamatical. During the few years I attempted to learn to play jazz piano (which attempt is on hold until some nebulous time later in my life), I came across this. Music which captivates an audience keeps them guessing 50% of the time. As one listens, one tries to guess what the next note is going to be. If you are right all the time, the music is boring. If you are wrong all the time, the music is too weird. Being right 50% of the time is enough to keep your interest. I don't know if that corresponds precisely to novels, but it's worth thinking about. Personally, I think that's the first thing that should be taught before someone is allowed to improv on stage. So many musicians seem afraid to play the melody when they improv. Rachel