If you've ever written a story, watched a movie, or read a book and thought, this feels familiar, you've encountered a trope. Tropes are the building blocks of storytelling—recurring themes, plot devices, and character archetypes that writers use to create compelling narratives. However, while tropes can add familiarity and structure, they can also feel overused or cliché if not handled with care. So, how do you use tropes effectively without making your writing predictable? Let's dive in.
 
What Is a Writing Trope?
A trope is a typical pattern or convention in storytelling. It can be a character type (like the wise mentor), a plot device (like the love triangle), or even a setting (like the haunted house). Tropes help audiences quickly understand a story's tone, genre, or direction. Some well-known tropes include:

• The Chosen One – A protagonist destined for greatness (e.g., Harry Potter, Frodo Baggins).
• Enemies to Lovers – Characters start as rivals but develop romantic feelings (common in romance novels and rom-coms).
• The Mentor – A wise guide who helps the hero (e.g., Yoda, Dumbledore).
• The Damsel in Distress – A female character in need of rescue.
• The Redemption Arc – A character transforms from villain to hero (e.g., Zuko in Avatar: The Last Airbender).

How to Use Tropes Effectively

1. Subvert Expectations – Take a common trope and twist it. Instead of the classic "damsel in distress," create a female character who rescues herself or others.
2. Combine Tropes in New Ways – Mix and match tropes to create something fresh. What if an enemies-to-lovers romance took place in a haunted house setting?
3. Add Depth to Characters – Instead of relying on a one-dimensional archetype, make your characters complex. A "bad boy" love interest might also be a sensitive artist with anxiety.
4. Play with Genre – Tropes vary across genres. A detective story may use the hard-boiled detective, while a fantasy novel may feature the reluctant hero. Consider how you can tweak genre conventions.
5. Acknowledge Tropes with a Wink – Some stories use self-awareness to make tropes fun. TV shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Deadpool play with tropes by calling them out.

Tropes in Nonfiction 
While tropes are most associated with fiction, they can also be powerful tools in nonfiction writing. They help structure narratives, engage readers, and make complex ideas more accessible. Here's how tropes can enhance nonfiction:
1. The Underdog Story
This trope, used in biographies, memoirs, and business books, follows a person or company that overcomes great odds to succeed.

Example: Shoe Dog, by Phil Knight (Nike's founder), tells the story of how Nike rose from humble beginnings to become a global brand.

2. The Hero's Journey
Even in self-help or personal development books, authors use a journey framework to show transformation.

Example: Joseph Campbell's The Hero with a Thousand Faces analyzes how myths follow a journey from struggle to victory.

3. The Mentor Figure
Many nonfiction books position the author (or a central figure) as a wise mentor who guides readers through a challenge.

Example: Tony Robbins in Awaken the Giant Within acts as a mentor figure, giving readers steps to self-empowerment.

4. The Call to Adventure
Motivational and self-help books often use it to push the reader to take action.

Example: The 4-Hour Workweek by Tim Ferriss presents an alternative lifestyle and invites readers to rethink traditional work.

5. Enemies to Allies
This trope is used in leadership, psychology, and history books to show how rivalries or opposing viewpoints can be reconciled.

Example: Team of Rivals by Doris Kearns Goodwin explores how Abraham Lincoln brought together political opponents for a stronger government.

6. The Cautionary Tale
Used in investigative journalism, business, and history books to warn against mistakes or bad decisions.

Example: Bad Blood by John Carreyrou exposes Theranos's downfall as a lesson in ethics and deception in business.

7. The Fish Out of Water
This trope is used in memoirs or travel writing when someone enters an unfamiliar world and must adapt.

Example: Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert follows her journey through three cultures in search of self-discovery.

Final Thoughts
Tropes are tools. The trick is to use them to enhance your story rather than make it predictable. Whether you're subverting, combining, or reinventing tropes, keeping your storytelling fresh and engaging is key.
 
So, go ahead and play with tropes, break the mold, and create something unforgettable!
 

The terms 'intuitive' and 'energetically aligned' are related but different when it comes to ghostwriting or any other creative process. Here are the key differences between the two:

Intuitive Ghostwriter

• Emphasis on understanding
  
  An intuitive ghostwriter focuses on understanding their client's thoughts, emotions, and intentions on a deep level. They rely on heightened emotional intelligence and empathy to connect with their clients.
  
  
• Capturing authentic voice
  
  Intuitive ghostwriters excel at capturing the authentic voice and writing style of their clients, making the content sound as if the client wrote it themselves. Their primary goal is to ensure the content reflects the client's personality and tone accurately.
  
  
• Listening and interpreting
  
  Intuitive ghosts are skilled at listening to and interpreting not only the words their clients say but also the underlying emotions and meaning behind those words. This allows them to create content that resonates emotionally with the client's message.
  
  

Energetically Aligned Ghostwriter
​

• Energetic alignment
  
  An energetically aligned ghostwriter places a strong emphasis on aligning their own energy and intentions with those of the client and the project. For me, this alignment involves reading energetic ley lines and feeling for energetic resonance.
  
  
• Intention behind the words
  
  Energetically aligned ghosts take a beyond-the-page approach to the writing process, considering not just the words but also the energy and intention behind the words. This alignment enhances the effectiveness and impact of the written content.
  
  

While both intuitive and energetically aligned ghostwriters aim to create content that resonates deeply with their clients, intuitive ghostwriters rely on emotional intelligence and empathy to connect with clients, while energetically aligned ghostwriters focus on aligning their energy with their client's and project's energy.

​People hire ghostwriters for a variety of reasons, depending on their individual needs and circumstances. Here are the 10 main reasons people hire ghostwriters:

1. Writing isn't their genius
   
   They either don't like to write or think they're not good writers. Hiring a ghostwrite takes away all that anxiety and uncertainty.
   
   
2. Time constraints
   
   Writing a book is a time-consuming process that requires dedication and consistency. Many aspiring authors have busy lives or demanding careers that leave little time for writing. A ghost will take on the writing workload, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your life.
   
   
3. English isn't their native language
   
   Speaking English is much easier than writing. If you want your book published in an English speaking country, get a native writer to ghost it for you so it looks and reads right. 
   
   
4. Struggle to communicate ideas
   
   Some clients have valuable expertise in a particular field but may struggle to communicate their ideas effectively in writing. Ghostwriters with expertise in a specific subject can bridge this gap, ensuring that the content is accurate and informative.
   
   
5. Consistent branding voice
   
   Ghostwriters can adapt their writing style to match the client's voice and tone. This is particularly important for authors who want to maintain a consistent brand or voice across multiple works.
   
   
6. Publishing world know-how
   
   Aspiring authors may seek the assistance of a ghostwriter to help them complete and publish their books. Ghostwriters can guide them through the entire publishing process, from manuscript development to editing and submission to publishers or self-publishing platforms.
   
   
7. ​Persuasive, impactful, and aligned message
   
   Many people hire ghostwriters to craft speeches, presentations, and workshops for various events. Ghostwriters can ensure that the content is persuasive, impactful, and aligned with the speaker's message.
   
   
8. Multiple authors, one voice
   
   In some cases, multiple authors collaborate on a book or project, and a ghostwriter can help streamline the writing process, ensuring that the final work is cohesive and well-written.
   
   
9. Overcoming writer's block
   
   Writer's block is a real thing and can be a significant obstacle for many authors. Ghostwriters will help you overcome creative blocks by providing fresh perspectives, ideas, and momentum to keep the writing process moving forward.
   
   
10. Get it done!
    
    Many people have started writing their book and been unable to finish. A ghostwriter will step in and get it done!

​Ultimately, hiring a ghostwriter for your book is a strategic investment in turning your ideas, stories, or expertise into a professionally written and marketable work. It allows you to leverage the skills and experience of a writing professional to bring your book to life.