EPISODE 37: How to Utilize Tropes In Your Writing with Author Jennifer E. Hilt and The Trope Thesaurus

Send us a textIn this episode of 'Way-Word Writers,' hosts Heather Cashman, Stephanie Bearce, and Nicki Jacobsmeyer welcome USA Today best-selling author Jennifer E. Hilt to discuss her work 'The Trope Thesaurus.' Jennifer shares her insights into why tropes are essential building blocks in storytelling, how they can be effectively utilized and developed, and addresses common misconceptions about them. She explains how her background in linguistics and literature helped her identify common storytelling blocks during the pandemic and led her to write the 'Trope Thesaurus.' The hosts and Jennifer delve into how tropes are structured, the importance of genre expectations, and how tropes can be adapted or subverted to create unique and compelling stories. Jennifer also gives examples, like 'The Witcher' and 'Severance,' that illustrate the effective use of tropes. The episode closes with Jennifer discussing her favorite tropes and how tropes can be identified and utilized across different genres, encouraging writers to view them as powerful storytelling tools.00:00 Welcome to Way-Word Writers00:31 Introducing Jennifer E. Hilt and The Trope Thesaurus01:31 The Origin of The Trope Thesaurus03:47 Understanding Tropes in Storytelling08:16 The Structure and Use of The Trope Thesaurus11:54 Balancing Familiar Tropes with Originality12:16 Genre Expectations and Character Complexity19:22 Practical Tips for Writers22:47 Upcoming Fantasy Sci-Fi Release23:19 Exploring the Horror Genre23:59 Romance and Sci-Fi Subgenres24:19 Understanding Tropes in Storytelling26:52 Favorite Mystery Series28:21 Evergreen and Emerging Tropes37:15 Subverting Tropes in Different Genres41:49 Conclusion and Final Thoughts This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit waywordwriters.substack.com