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I’m using today’s question to keep the streak going, courtesy of https://the-wip-project.tumblr.com
It’s ironic that today’s question is about writing tropes because it’s been on my mind a lot lately.
Tropes are literary devices that are used so often in a genre, they are considered part of its conventions. When a writer masters them, they not only give readers something to expect but, when subverted, can provide a reader with something fresh and new.
I will read almost any trope, as long as it contributes to a well-written story that provides me with a satisfying reading experience. However, regardless of the trope, there should be a slow burn element to it for me to truly enjoy it. So I like second-chance romance, friends-to-lovers, enemies-to-lover, fake dating, fated mates, etc. as long as the romance takes time to flourish.
Slow burns are my favorite because they make me wait for the big pay-off. This is true for me both as a reader and a writer. I’m not sure how many people realize this but when a writer works on a novel, it’s like we are its very first readers. We are discovering and reading the story as we write it. The longer I can prolong the agony of a resolution (without boring my own pants off), the more the romance feels earned. Those are the stories I go back to over and over again.
So the trick is to not only find a good trope but to execute it well. And if a writer is very good, they’ll surprise you with something new, defy your expectations and deliver a story that is unforgettable.
About the 100 Days of Writing Challenge
For more about the #100daysofwriting challenge, check out https://www.tumblr.com/tagged/100daysofwriting to see all the posts for each day. Thanks to https://the-wip-project.tumblr.com for organizing this fascinating challenge!
If you get stumped on what to write, check the https://www.tumblr.com/tagged/100daysofquestions for prompts to help you write, the way I did today.