Tropes: The Building Blocks of Storytelling

Cortesy Pixabay.com

Tropes are recurring themes, motifs, or clichés in literature and other forms of storytelling. They are often used to create familiar patterns that resonate with audiences, evoke emotions, and advance the plot.

Consider tropes as the essential elements that shape and define stories. Writers can use them as a starting point to develop more intricate narratives. While tropes may face criticism for their tendency to be overused and predictable, they possess the ability to enhance storytelling by adding depth, humor, or suspense to a narrative.

Common Examples of Tropes:

• The Hero's Journey: A timeless narrative structure that follows a protagonist as they face a sequence of trials and hardships on their quest to conquer a goal or obstacle.
• The Love Triangle: A complex web of emotions involving three individuals, often resulting in turmoil and intense emotions.
• The Villainous Mastermind: A cunning and diabolical character who carefully crafts schemes to achieve their nefarious goals.
• The Damsel in Distress: A classic archetype, representing a female character in need of rescue from imminent danger.
• The Coming-of-Age Story: Immerses readers in the protagonist's quest for identity and maturity, capturing the essence of their transformative journey.

Reasons to Use Tropes:

• Familiarity: Tropes provide a sense of comfort and familiarity for audiences, making it easier to engage with the story.
• Emotional Resonance: Certain tropes evoke specific emotions, such as fear, joy, or sadness.
• Plot Advancement: Tropes can be used to drive the plot forward and create tension.
• Character Development: Tropes can help to develop characters and their relationships.

Although tropes can become cliché and predictable, writers can also employ them in innovative ways to craft distinctive and captivating narratives. A thorough understanding of tropes and their usage enables writers to skillfully integrate them into their writing.

The Error of Your Ways

Writing is such fun! I get so caught up in it when my mind works with any clarity. It hasn't been happening much of late, but when I can, I do. My hand problems seem to be persistent and I'm not sure they will improve. I have a feeling that they'll worsen. Regardless, I need to figure out a way forward. 

I was reading some things online this morning by well, writers. I got annoyed because I found several errors. It's funny how once you notice one mistake, they all stand out. Arthritis in my knuckle causes errors with the words "know" and "not". I've always been a speedy typist, hitting 70 wpm on my best days and averaging 50-60 wpm. So perhaps that's the problem. I've slowed down because of mobility issues and it drives me crazy. My son usually does the proofreading of my blogs to catch those things but not lately. He's had other things on his mind.

So, I was reading and found these errors. They're simple errors, but to catch them, you're going to have to read your text BEFORE you put it online. A trick to help is to read the text backwards. You'll catch a lot of spelling errors, but you'll also catch other types of errors as well. For example, missing punctuation or incorrect punctuation. It happens to every writer, but the pros know they must edit. 

Gone are the days when the average writer can hire fact checkers, proofreaders, and developmental editors. Writers, specifically Indie writers, are doing it all. So take the time to read over the document you're writing. Read it backwards. Read forward again. Research the mistakes writers often make. 

If you're reluctant to put the effort into polishing your prose, you're probably not cut out to be a writer. Oh, you can publish an unedited book all by yourself, but readers won't clamber for a copy. If you read the reviews on Amazon, you'll find that they will find your mistakes and point them out. Not because they don't like you, but they are paying for the privilege of reading your content. 

There're many tools available to help you with editing. You could use AI, but it's wise to get educated about grammar and punctuation. Although I don't rely on AI for help often, I have access; but I enjoy doing my own work. I know my stuff, but even I need someone to lend me their eyes and knowledge now and then. 

I wouldn't ask a hair dresser to fix my car. Unless they had the required skills. So, if you're writing The Great American novel, a blog post, a speech, or a recipe, learn to write it with skill. 

*Note: I found two errors after I posted this. I've corrected them. It was one letter short and one space too far. 

  

30 Day Writing Challenge: Spark Your Creativity

This challenge offers a mix of prompts to target different writing styles and get your creative juices flowing. 

Each day, pick one prompt, or find a different approach that works for you. Just make time to write each day for 30 days. 

Genre Exploration

* Day 1: Sci-Fi - Write a story set on a distant planet. 

* Day 2: Mystery -  A cryptic note sets a detective on the trail of a missing person. 

* Day 3:  Fairytale -  Reimagine a classic fairytale from the villain's perspective. 

* Day 4:  Romance -  Two strangers meet under unusual circumstances. 

* Day 5:  Horror -  A group of friends explores a local legend, only to discover a chilling truth. 

* Day 6:  Fantasy -  A hidden door leads to a magical world. 

* Day 7:  Historical Fiction -  Write a diary entry from the perspective of a historical figure. 

* Day 8:  Dystopian -  In a world with limited resources, a rebellion brews.  

Writing Techniques

* Day 9:  Dialogue Only - Tell a story solely through conversation. 

* Day 10:  Free Verse Poetry - Write a poem that explores a specific emotion.  

* Day 11:  Flash Fiction - Craft a complete story in under 100 words. 

* Day 12:  Descriptive Paragraph - Focus on all five senses to paint a vivid picture. 

* Day 13:  First Line Challenge - Write a story based on a specific first line (e.g., "The rain hammered on the roof like a thousand angry fists"). 

* Day 14:  Unreliable Narrator - Let your narrator be untrustworthy, keeping the reader guessing. 

* Day 15:  Postcard Story -  Write a story in the form of a postcard.  

Inspired by the World Around You

* Day 16:  People Watching -  Pick a person at a cafe and write a story about their life. 

* Day 17:  Object Prompt - Choose an everyday object and write about its hidden story. 

* Day 18:  Eavesdropping -  Use a snippet of overheard conversation to spark a story.  

* Day 19:  News Headline -  Write a story based on a recent news headline, but with a twist. 

* Day 20:  Weather Woes -  Let the weather inspire your story (e.g., a scorching summer day, a blizzard). 

Challenge Yourself

* Day 21:  Write a scene with only one character. 

* Day 22:  Include a specific word count (e.g., 500 words, 1000 words). 

* Day 23:  Write a story in a specific tense (e.g., present tense, past tense). 

* Day 24:  Step outside your comfort zone and try a new genre. 

* Day 25:  Leave the ending ambiguous. 

Wrap Up

* Day 26:  Revisit an old story idea and rewrite it with fresh eyes. 

* Day 27:  Write a letter to your future writing self.  

* Day 28:  Reflect on your progress throughout the challenge. What did you learn? 

* Day 29:  Choose your favorite piece from the challenge and revise it. 

* Day 30:  Celebrate your accomplishment! Share your work with others or set a new writing goal. 

Don't be afraid to experiment and have fun! This is a chance to explore your creativity and break out of writing ruts. 

30 Days of Prompts: Woman on the Run

Yesterday's post contained prompts related to a dystopian future. Some could be connected, and some were unrelated. You decide how to use them. 

Today, I've pulled up prompts about Jenny, a woman on the run. The 30 days of prompts encompass a whole story that you can formulate based on the prompts. You can add to them, or change them as you see fit. 

Have fun with it and start a new habit.

30 Days of Prompts: Woman on the Run

Day 1: The inciting incident. Describe the moment Jenny realizes she has to flee, and what she witnesses that terrifies her.

Day 2: On the road. What does Jenny pack in her haste? Where is she headed?

Day 3: Disguise. Jenny needs to blend in. How does she alter her appearance?

Day 4: Flashback. What was Jenny's life like before she went on the run?

Day 5: Close call. A near miss with her pursuers puts Jenny on edge.

Day 6: Morality test. Jenny encounters someone in need. Does she help, risking exposure, or keep running?

Day 7: Exhaustion. Jenny finds a temporary haven. Describe her internal struggle: fear vs. hope.

Day 8: Unexpected kindness. A stranger offers Jenny a small act of generosity.

Day 9: Resourcefulness. Jenny finds a clever way to obtain something she desperately needs.

Day 10: Doubt. Jenny questions her choices and if she can outrun what's chasing her.

Day 11: Discovery. Jenny stumbles upon a clue that might help her understand what's after her.

Day 12: The pursuers. Describe them in detail. Are they human?

Day 13: Technology vs. Nature. Jenny must choose between using technology that could expose her or relying solely on instinct.

Day 14: Lost and Found. Jenny loses a precious memento. Does she risk going back for it?

Day 15: Dreams. A vivid dream offers Jenny a cryptic message or a glimpse into her future.

Day 16: Internal conflict. A part of Jenny wants to fight back. How does she navigate this urge?

Day 17: Unlikely ally. Jenny finds an unexpected partner in her fight for survival.

Day 18: Sacrifice. Jenny has to give up something important to stay one step ahead.

Day 19: The chase intensifies. Jenny narrowly escapes capture. Describe the chase scene.

Day 20: Hidden talent. A forgotten skill Jenny possesses might prove crucial.

Day 21: Moral dilemma. Jenny faces a difficult choice that could have lasting consequences.

Day 22: Revelation. Jenny learns a shocking truth about her pursuers or her past.

Day 23: Hope rekindled. Jenny finds a reason to believe she can actually win.

Day 24: Setting a trap. Jenny decides to take a stand and lure her pursuers in.

Day 25: The confrontation. Jenny finally faces her pursuers. Describe the battle (physical or psychological)

Day 26: Aftermath. Jenny deals with the physical and emotional repercussions of the confrontation.

Day 27: Decision time. Does Jenny continue running or try to rebuild her life?

Day 28: Unexpected twist. A new threat emerges or an old enemy resurfaces.

Day 29: Unfinished business. Jenny realizes she needs to address something from her past to find true peace.

Day 30: The ending. Choose an ending that feels right for your story. Does Jenny find closure or is her journey far from over?

Lost Technology: A World Remade: 30 Days of Prompts

My idea of a 30 day challenge is buzzing in my head. I am trying to get myself psyched to do it. My health issues often derail me, but I want to block out time and do this. So, I'm pulling things together to inspire, not just for me, but you as well. I hope you'll challenge yourself to write for 30 days. 

This set of prompts explores a world where a specific technology has vanished, forcing humanity to adapt and rebuild. Choose one or combine elements from a few to get your story started!

1. You are a librarian in a world without digital storage. How do you preserve knowledge? 

2. A traveling tinkerer repairs broken machines with ingenious, non-electronic solutions. 

3. A community struggles to maintain a vital irrigation system originally designed for automated control. 

4. A young person discovers a hidden cache of electronics and sets out to understand their purpose. 

5. A thrilling chase story - a smuggler tries to transport a rare working machine across a lawless territory. 

6. A religious sect believes the lost technology was a divine punishment. 

7. A group of engineers race to rebuild a power grid using forgotten blueprints and scavenged parts. 

8. Write a news report from a world struggling to adapt to a transportation system without cars. 

9. A detective investigates a series of seemingly impossible crimes – are they linked to the lost technology? 

10. A musician composes a symphony using only acoustic instruments, a novelty in this new world. 

Deeper Impact

11. How has the loss of technology impacted social structures and communication? 

12. Explore the emotional toll of a world that has lost a great convenience. 

13. Is there a black market for remnants of the lost technology? 

14. A character grapples with the ethical implications of potentially rediscovering the lost technology. 

15. Write a letter from someone who remembers the world before the technology vanished. 

Unexpected Twists

16. The lost technology wasn't what it seemed, and its absence reveals a hidden truth. 

17. A faction emerges that claims they can bring the technology back online, but at a terrible cost. 

18. The loss of technology is actually a natural defense mechanism against a greater threat. 

19. The story is set hundreds of years after the loss, and the technology is now myth and legend. 

20. The lost technology is slowly reappearing, but in a strange and unpredictable way. 

Broaden the Lens

21. How has the loss of technology impacted the natural world? 

22. Write a story from the perspective of an animal who benefits from the technology's absence. 

23. A team of scientists investigates the cause of the technology's disappearance. 

24. A community thrives despite the loss of technology, proving human resilience. 

25. The story takes place on a space colony that loses contact with Earth, forcing them to rely on forgotten skills. 

Genre Benders

26. Write a fantasy story where magic fills the void left by lost technology. 

27. A post-apocalyptic thriller with a race to find a hidden cache of technology. 

28. A cozy mystery set in a small town that thrives on traditional crafts and skills. 

29. A sci-fi story where a character travels back in time to prevent the loss of technology. 

30. A historical fiction story that explores a real historical period without a specific technology (e.g., communication before the telegraph). 

The Eyes Have It! Simon Bishop

 For a long time I've been writing a story called The Dream Stealer. It became so entailed that I was thrown off and it didn't help that each year I was doing NaNoWriMo with a new story. Once I stopped doing NaNo, I was able to better focus but I also had several drafts of very good work to constantly snag my attention. But The Dream Stealer is still something I'm very attached to, honestly, I think I fell in love with the main character, Simon Bishop. 

Over the years, I had this image of Simon and even searched through images online to find someone even remotely like him. Toby Stevens one of the people that strongly resembled him. Unfortunately, he's too fair. Simon is dark haired and his skin tones are less pink. The resemblance to the image in my head is close but no cigar.

Recently, I was researching some things regarding AI and ran across a site that would create an image for you. So, since I knew what he looked like and there was a box to describe him, I decided to see what AI could make of it. I wasn't completely disappointed. 

Simon Bishop: The Dream Stealer
& Where Dreams Begin

This would be the closest I think I can get to the main character of Simon. The only thing is the eyes are the wrong color. I mean dramatically wrong. Simon has sapphire blue eyes. 

👈🏼 I rather like the image to the left. The image below would be the right color eyes but the hair is all wrong.  

However, those sapphire eyes are the trait that sets him apart. 

Then, there are the other images I've rounded up. They're equally good. Similar in type, I think, but I don't really want the facial hair shown in the #4. 

They're also a bit younger or I'm old and they look like kids. That's probably it. 

In the Dream Stealer, Simon is around 40. He has a grown child. So this third handsome gent would be a younger version of Simon. 

And the  final version is below. He's a bit older because I ask it to age it a bit but I don't think AI has quite got the hang of it. Or I really am old. 

Still, these all bear striking resemblance to the Simon in my head. The first and third ones are the closest to what I see.

 But the eyes in the second and 4th are closest to Simon's eyes, with #3 being nearest. 

And then there are the non-contenders AI tossed at me. I've put them below. Not that they're terrible, but they don't strike a cord in my head. The middle guy, that's actually the eyes. But he scares me! LOL

How It Goes

The struggle is real. I managed to work a few hours this week on The Long Summer Run. It just hit me that I wanted ... no needed to write. I have so many ideas that run through my head and have not even felt the urge. I've been sick for months with some sort of respiratory issue and my RA has really not been behaving well. 

I suspect the inflammation has been so high because of the compound issues. I've been on antibiotics and steroids within a single month. It took that long for the sinus infection to clear up, at least the worst of it. I am still having issues with drainage that cause coughing fits. I get embarrassed to go out. Today, I'm revisiting my RA doctor to see if we can get this mess to back off.

However, I had a sudden urge to write. So I did. I worked for several hours. The plan was to come back the next day. Unfortunately, plumbing issues arose and Sarah started her job and school. Sarah is my 17yr old granddaughter who has returned home to live with me after several years away. If you read my other blogs, or are on my Facebook page, you'll have run into references of her growing up. 

Anyway, with all this going on, I didn't get back to the novel. 

(✿◡‿◡)

And as of today, 14 days have passed. Yep. That's how it goes. I didn't get back to the novel. My doctor did nothing but tell me she was retiring. And I'm still struggling with pain, fatigue, and the congestion problems. 

However, last night that urge reappeared, and I worked for a bit on a segment of The Dream Stealer. I don't know why I bother with anything. Something else always interferes. And I know that we're supposed to prioritize our writing. Unfortunately, when you have doctor's appointments, children to get where they need to go, family who also rely on your help, church, running your legs off to find supplies because these days it seems there's not enough of the necessities at any one store. Anyway, by the end of the day, I'm wiped out. Fibromyalgia is a hag.

I enjoyed writing and today I woke with a better mindset and took the time available and do it. And I promptly began working on something for one of my blogs and got distracted searching for information I needed. 

ㄟ( ▔, ▔ )ㄏ

That folks, is the story of my life. When I realized I was caught in a spiral, I shut down the browser for everything but this post. I've got too many irons in the writing inferno. Three blogs, all different. I've considered consolidating a couple, but there are problems with that idea. So I plod along.

For now, I'm going to end here because, let's face it, it is two weeks overdue! I wish you a beautiful day, a wonderful weekend, and many blessings. 

Write any way, anywhere, anytime you are able.