#217: Tropes
Last week, we revisited the old “show, don’t tell” rule. This week, let’s throw out the rulebook and have some fun.
In your reading, you’ve probably come across some recurring tropes. In romance, we’ve got star-crossed lovers, fake relationships, enemies-to-lovers, and happily-ever-afters. In fantasy, we’ve got Chosen One protagonists, reluctant heroes, and wise mentors. In mystery, we have unreliable narrators, jaded investigators, locked rooms, and remote settings. It goes on.
Subverting these tropes can be fun, but the tricky thing is that you need to do it for a reason, and in a way that enriches your story. Can you do it?
🥇 Winner
“Who Are We to Judge the Music of an Octopus?” by Paul Crehan
🏆 Winner of Contest #217
⭐️ Shortlisted
“Beowulf: A Guard Dog's Tale” by AnneMarie Miles
⭐️ Shortlisted for Contest #217
“A Fixer Upper” by Lisa Lange
⭐️ Shortlisted for Contest #217
“Maximillian Braveheart the Brave” by D. Grimes
⭐️ Shortlisted for Contest #217
“A Petition. ” by Lara Deppe
⭐️ Shortlisted for Contest #217
This week's prompts
Write a story about a warrior who doesn’t want to kill the dragon.
Fantasy – 91 stories
Stories
“Who Are We to Judge the Music of an Octopus?” by Paul Crehan
🏆 Winner of Contest #217
“At An Impasse” by Michał Przywara
Submitted to Contest #217
“Beowulf: A Guard Dog's Tale” by AnneMarie Miles
⭐️ Shortlisted for Contest #217
“Check, Please” by Nina H
Submitted to Contest #217
“Deceiver to All” by Corey Melin
Submitted to Contest #217
“I Don't Blame You ” by Daniel Fernandes
Submitted to Contest #217
“Where the Wild Things Aren't” by Mary Bendickson
Submitted to Contest #217
“Fallout” by Danielle Barr
Submitted to Contest #217
“We'll Always Have Uber” by Sol Caine
Submitted to Contest #217
“Waking up Poor” by Jonathan Page
Submitted to Contest #217
“The Count” by Anthony Carello
Submitted to Contest #217
“The Boy Knight” by Chris Campbell
Submitted to Contest #217
“A Knight Full of Grievances ” by Livana Teagan
Submitted to Contest #217
“Falling Star” by Murray Burns
Submitted to Contest #217
Falling Star “Catch a falling star and put it in your pocket." - PerryComo &n...
“Sir Braxton’s Alchemy ” by Michelle Oliver
Submitted to Contest #217
$250
Prize money
283
Contest entries
130
Stories
Ended on 23:59 - Sep 29, 2023 EST
Won by Paul Crehan 🏆
Submissions must be between 1,000 - 3,000 words and will be approved and published on Reedsy Prompts within 7 days of the contest closing.
Read the full terms & conditions or check out the FAQ if you have any questions!