{EP. 11} Top 10 Fantasy Tropes: To Love or Not to Love? Artwork

Writing the Broomstick

The podcast where you'll get your dose of magic and dash of writing advice all in one juicy elixir. Join a couple of authors in our ramblings about all-things fantasy, paranormal fiction, and magical realism. Our goal is to help you iron out your mystical world and open up the floor to a weird and witchy conversation. ★ Follow us @writingthebroom and get in touch: writingthebroomstick@gmail.com / writingthebroomstick.com ★ Hosts: Katrina Tortorici Anglehart (K.T. Anglehart) is a freelance editor and author of teen/YA urban fantasy "The Wise One"—the first of "The Scottish Scrolls" series. She enjoys laughing at her and Genny's shenanigans while trying desperately to maintain her composure. ★ @kt_anglehart | ktanglehart.com ★ Genevieve Methot is a freelance writer and emerging author of new adult fantasy trilogy "The Needle of Ingress" (release date TBD). She is often called out for being self-deprecating and breaking out in song during awkward moments. ★ @genny_met

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Writing the Broomstick

{EP. 11} Top 10 Fantasy Tropes: To Love or Not to Love?

May 19, 2021 • K.T. Anglehart & Genevieve Methot • Season 2 • Episode 1

We’re back! Not exactly from a long, summer holiday, but after two weeks, it felt like forever. In the first episode of our second season (yay!), we explore the topic of fantasy tropes. What are they? Do we love them? Do we hate them?

Welp, the consensus is that tropes, in of themselves, are neither good nor bad, but if we rely too heavily on precedent, they can become cliché, tired, and make your readers roll their eyes and mutter, “Oh, here we go again.” So, if you find your WIP uses one of these tropes, don’t worry about it! But do spend some time adding your own beautiful and unique spin on it to keep your readers thirsty. Here are some of the tropes we look at:

Everything takes place in Medieval Europe
There’s good, there’s evil, but there’s nothing in between
All is right in the world until someone releases the evil from its dormant pit
The prophecy
The perfect “Mary Sue-style” protagonist or character...

Deborah Harkness makes yet another appearance, and both Katrina and Genny try out their best Moira and Alexa Rose impression. Genny mispronounces the word “mentor” a bunch of times and Katrina educates Genny on the word “insta”.

God, it’s good to be back! Even if we are a little rusty.

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Let us know what you thought of our episode! You can reach us on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, or email writingthebroomstick@gmail.com.

Hey! Do you like Celtic folklore, YA urban fantasy, AND free stuff? Read the first three chapters of Katrina’s debut novel, “The Wise One”.

And, if you want to see what Genny’s reading lately, check out her Goodreads review page.