If you read a lot, you’re likely aware of the common tropes used in fictional writing. Tropes exist because they are popular and can help move a story along in a way that readers enjoy. But they can also make a book predictable. Using popular tropes is not inherently wrong, but the overuse of tropes can make your readers bored. If you use common tropes in your writing, use them in unpredictable ways. Focus on using a trope to enhance your story without relying on it too much so that it doesn’t overshadow other parts of your book.
Using tropes in unexpected ways
Just because you start with a familiar trope doesn’t mean you have to follow that same expected pattern. Make your characters act in unexpected ways and write your plot points so they don’t follow the same path that a reader would expect when reading that trope. Use the trope for inspiration instead of a formula by being creative and writing in your style, and using your strengths as a writer.
Avoid trope overload
Using multiple tropes in one book can leave your readers feeling like they’re reading the same tired story they’ve read before. Using too many tropes can also make your writing lazy, which is usually obvious to readers. Don’t use popular tropes simply because they’re trendy. Make your writing stand out because of your talent, not because it checks off some items on a list of current popular tropes on reading-based social media.
Tropes exist because readers enjoy them, but using them too much can make your writing predictable and boring. If you’re writing your first book, use tropes sparingly and in unexpected ways. As a first-time author, you may be tempted to overuse popular tropes as a way to get the attention of readers. However, be cautious and use tropes as a guide or tool instead of a crutch, so you can provide your readers with a unique experience when they read your work.
