You may or may not know what a trope is, so let me tell you. A book trope is a commonly used plot device, character type, or literary technique that has become recognizable and familiar to readers. Tropes can be found in just about every genre, from novels and movies, to television shows and video games.
In romance, a common trope is the billionaire playboy falling in love with a small-town girl, the classic “damsel in distress” or the love that overcomes social barriers.
Fantasy without Tropes
In fantasy, you’ll often find the reluctant hero destined to save the world, an ancient warrior race, or a young protagonist who discovers they’re the reincarnation of a powerful figure.
In science fiction? Expect alien invasions, dystopian futures, intergalactic wars, or the inevitable rise of the cyborgs.
Some say that among the 150 million books out there, there are fewer than 100 tropes that regularly appear. Which means that for every 1.5 million books, many are simply variations of the same foundational elements. Sure, the names might change. The settings shift. The twists feel fresh. But at the core, the bones of the story remain the same.
And honestly? That just doesn’t appeal to me.
I don’t want to write stories people can predict halfway through, I want to surprise them. I want them to lean in closer, eyes wide, wondering what’s going to happen next because they genuinely don’t know. For me, it’s fantasy without tropes.
Tropes make it too easy…
Now, I get it. Tropes can be comforting. They’re familiar. They’re safe. And for some readers, that’s exactly what they’re looking for. But as a writer with a wildly untamed imagination, I want to take people somewhere unexpected. Somewhere bright. Somewhere magical. And definitely somewhere new.
That’s why, in my upcoming middle grade fantasy series, I’ve made a conscious effort to break away from the norm. You won’t find an evil overlord here. There are no battles to the death. No dark magic threatening to destroy the world. What you will find is an immortal 12-year-old girl on whimsical, imaginative quests alongside her loyal dragon friend. You’ll find adventure, wonder, and heartfelt moments of discovery, all without a single nightmare scene.
Is it risky to write a story that leans into joy instead of despair? Maybe. But I don’t think so.
In a world where so much of the media aimed at kids and tweens is heavy, violent, or overly mature, I believe there’s room—no, a need for something softer. Something more hopeful. Something that celebrates curiosity and kindness without relying on fear or trauma to drive the plot.
So no, my stories might not follow a traditional fantasy trope. And I’m okay with that.
Because I’m NOT here to follow a formula.
I’m here to spark joy, light up imaginations, and remind readers, especially young ones, that there is still magic to be found in the world… and that not all heroes need to fight a war to find their purpose.
If you’re ready for a fresh take on fantasy, one that’s full of light instead of darkness, I invite you to come along for the journey. I think you’ll find it’s exactly the kind of story your heart’s been waiting for.
