How to Unlock the Power of Tropes, with Jennifer Hilt

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If you’ve ever worried about using tropes in your writing—wondering if they make your story predictable or overdone—this episode of The Resilient Writers Radio Show is here to change your mind. 

I’m joined by Jennifer Hilt, USA Today bestselling author, story consultant, and the brilliant mind behind The Trope Thesaurus series. She’s an expert in crafting compelling plots and characters using tropes in fresh, exciting ways.

We often hear about “tired tropes” or “overused storylines,” but Jennifer breaks down why tropes are actually the essential building blocks of storytelling. She explains how they create familiarity and connection with readers while still allowing for creativity and originality. But tropes are at play everywhere -- the trick is knowing how to twist them in unexpected ways so they feel new.

Jennifer shares how she first became fascinated by tropes during the pandemic, diving deep into books, movies, and TV shows to analyze what makes stories work. She also clarifies the difference between tropes and stereotypes—tropes are neutral storytelling tools, while stereotypes often come with negative connotations. By understanding this distinction, writers can use tropes effectively without falling into lazy or problematic storytelling.

Understanding how tropes function can be a game-changer, especially if you’re feeling stuck in the middle of your book. Jennifer shares practical ways to use tropes to guide your story forward. Instead of staring at a blank page, ask yourself: What tropes am I already using? Can I flip one on its head? Can I combine multiple tropes to create something fresh? This can help you revitalize your plot and character arcs, keeping both you and your readers engaged.

Jennifer also has a free trope list to help spark new ideas in your writing! You can find it in the show notes, along with links to her books, including The Trope Thesaurus, The Horror Trope Thesaurus, and The Trope Thesaurus: Romance.

So grab your notebook, tune in, and get ready to embrace the power of tropes in your storytelling!