#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?
This week's prompts
Write a story about a warrior who doesn’t want to kill the dragon.
Fantasy – 94 stories
Stories
“GiGi Doesn't Live Here Anymore” by Myranda Marie
Submitted to Contest #217
“Advice- 5 cents/$5.00” by Murray Burns
Submitted to Contest #217
“Asphyxiation” by Hosea Guy
Submitted to Contest #217
“A Fixer Upper” by Lisa Lange
⭐️ Shortlisted for Contest #217
“The Other Side of Ever After” by Karen Corr
Submitted to Contest #217
“Lemonade, Witchcraft and Mr. Jones.” by Judith Jerdé
Submitted to Contest #217
“Inheritance” by Marisa Billions
Submitted to Contest #217
“Bad Data” by Chris Campbell
Submitted to Contest #217
“Maximillian Braveheart the Brave” by D. Grimes
⭐️ Shortlisted for Contest #217
“A Petition. ” by Lara Deppe
⭐️ Shortlisted for Contest #217
“Natural Painter” by Tom Skye
Submitted to Contest #217
“Shooting Star” by Amanda Lieser
Submitted to Contest #217
“Ehecatl” by Alyssa Krenzer
Submitted to Contest #217
“Philemon and Baucis” by Alexandra Gheorghe
Submitted to Contest #217
“Rescuing Holly” by Jonathan Page
Submitted to Contest #217
$250
Prize money
290
Contest entries
133
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!