Write Squad Weekly News
The Chosen One: Why Tropes Are the Secret Weapon of Storytelling
Hi Squad,
Happy Monday! I hope this week is full of writing wins for you. This week, we’re getting into tropes—what are they and how can you wield them to your advantage?
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🔍 What is a Trope?
Tropes are the secret sauce of storytelling. They’re the patterns, themes, and character dynamics that make stories feel just right. Readers don’t just enjoy tropes—they expect them. And when done well, they love them.
The Building Blocks of Genre
Every genre has its own well-loved tropes. Romance? You’ve got enemies to lovers, fake dating, and the there was only one bed moment. Fantasy? Think chosen ones, magical prophecies, and found families. Crime fiction thrives on red herrings, morally grey detectives, and locked-room mysteries. Horror loves final girls, cursed objects, and, of course, don’t open that door.
These tropes aren’t clichés (unless they’re done lazily). They’re a shared language between writers and readers—signposts that tell us what kind of story we’re in and where it might be heading.
Why Tropes Work
Tropes aren’t just familiar—they’re comforting. Readers pick up a romance knowing they’ll get an HEA (happily-ever-after). Mystery readers want justice (or at least a satisfying answer). Fantasy readers crave epic quests and reluctant heroes. It’s not about being predictable—it’s about delivering on expectations in a way that feels fresh and exciting.
Playing with Tropes
The trick isn’t to avoid tropes—it’s to own them. Put your spin on them. Subvert them when it serves the story. Give them depth. A grumpy/sunshine romance is fun, but why is the grumpy character the way they are? A prophecy is intriguing, but what happens when the chosen one refuses their destiny?
Tropes are tools. They help shape your story, but they don’t have to define it.
The Takeaway
Don’t fear tropes. Celebrate them. Use them as a way to connect with readers, to set up expectations and then deliver (or twist) them in a satisfying way. Because at the end of the day, tropes aren’t a crutch—they’re a promise. And when you keep that promise, readers will keep coming back for more.
Comps & Opportunities
☘️ Sorrento Creative Writing Prize
Date: 1st March
$5,000 prize, short story 2,500 words. Details here.
☘️ The Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense
Date: 15th March
Please note the submissions process for this one is a little complicated. Details here.
☘️ Furphy Literary Award
Date: 30th April
5000 words max. First prize is $15,000. Details here.
Food for Thought
⚡️ Booksellers 2025 Author Salary Results Are Out…
⚡️ Bookstores Are Thriving—We Have TikTok to Thank
Ask The Author Podcast
🎙️ This week, on the Ask The Author podcast…
We’re back and exploring genre essentials. What do you need to know to meet readers expectations? The next genre up…horror! And, if you have your own question, please feel free to ask by hitting reply to this email. (And you can remain anonymous.)
Now out on your fav podcast app, or here’s the apple link or simply search for Ask The Author with Jodi Gibson
Until next time, happy writing!
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