The Missouri Times

The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration, and creativity. But it can also be a time of clichés, stereotypes, and predictability. If you are a writer who wants to write a holiday-themed story, you might be tempted to use some of the common tropes that have been done to death by countless books, movies, and TV shows. But how can you avoid these overused holiday tropes and make your story stand out from the crowd? Here are some tips to help you: 1. Don't rely on the magic of Christmas (or any other holiday) One of the most overused holiday tropes is the idea that the magic of Christmas (or any other holiday) can solve any problem, heal any wound, or make any dream come true. This trope is often used as a lazy way to wrap up a story without any real conflict, character development, or logical explanation. It can also make your story seem unrealistic, cheesy, or boring. Instead of relying on the magic of Christmas, try to create a story that is grounded in reality, has believabl...

Tropes are common patterns, themes, or devices used in storytelling. They can be found in every genre, from romance to horror, and they can help readers to quickly identify the type of story they are reading. However, tropes can also become clichés, predictable, or boring if they are used too often or without any variation. That’s why it’s important for writers to put twists on popular tropes, to surprise, challenge, or subvert the expectations of their readers. In this blog post, we will explore some examples of how writers can put twists on popular tropes from each genre.                    Romance Romance is a genre that is full of tropes, such as the love triangle, the fake relationship, the enemies-to-lovers, the forbidden love, the meet-cute, and so on. These tropes can be fun and satisfying, but they can also be overused and predictable. Here are some ways to put twists on romance tropes: Love triangle : Instead of having the prot...

Writing spicy scenes can be a challenge for many writers, especially if they have to do it in private or around family. You might feel embarrassed, awkward, or even guilty for writing such scenes. But don’t worry, there are some tips and tricks that can help you write spicy scenes without feeling uncomfortable or compromising your creativity. Tip 1: Use headphones or earbuds One of the easiest ways to write spicy scenes in private or around family is to use headphones or earbuds. This way, you can block out any external noises and distractions, and focus on your writing. You can also listen to some music that matches the mood and tone of your scene, such as romantic, sensual, or erotic songs. Music can help you get into the right mindset and inspire you to write more vividly and passionately. Tip 2: Use a code name or a pseudonym Another tip to write spicy scenes in private or around family is to use a code name or a pseudonym for your project. This can help you avoid any awkward quest...

Nicknames are a great way to add depth and personality to your characters and show their relationships and culture. However, writing nicknames in a fantasy world can be tricky since you have to balance creativity, consistency, and clarity. Here are some tips on how to write nicknames in your fantasy world: Think about the origin and meaning of the nickname. A nickname can be derived from various sources, such as the character’s name, appearance, personality, occupation, hobby, or history. For example, Elora might be nicknamed Ellie, Lora, or El by her friends, Bright Eyes, Starlight, or Spark by her admirers. A nickname can also have a hidden or ironic meaning, such as a character named Rolf being called Wolf by his enemies or a character named Cora being called Coral by her lover. Think about the tone and context of the nickname. A nickname can convey different emotions and intentions, depending on who uses it and when. For example, a nickname can be affectionate, teasing, respectfu...

If you are a fantasy author looking for some inspiration, you should check out two classic TV shows from the 90s: Xena: Warrior Princess and Hercules: The Legendary Journeys. These shows are set in a mythical version of ancient Greece, where gods, monsters, and heroes coexist. They follow the adventures of Xena, a former warlord turned hero, and Hercules, the son of Zeus and the strongest man in the world. Here are some reasons why these shows are suitable for fantasy authors: They have a rich and diverse mythology. The shows draw from various sources of Greek, Roman, Egyptian, Norse, and other mythologies, creating a colorful and imaginative world. You can find stories about the Olympian gods, the Titans, the Amazons, the Centaurs, the Furies, the Hydra, the Minotaur, the Cyclops, and many more. The shows also introduce original characters and concepts, such as the Elysian Fields, the Dahak, the Golden Hind, and the Rheingold. They have an outstanding balance of action, comedy, drama,...