365+ Strong Verbs to Turn You Into a Literary Tyrannosaurus

The most common writing mistake I see from first-time authors is cramming too much into the first chapter. Your first chapter is a meet and greet, where you establish credibility, likability, and optimism that the book is worth the reader's time. Hook the reader, show your personality, but don't dump all your knowledge on them at the beginning of the book. Take them on an interesting, helpful journey,

Trope = yes

Stereotype = no

A stereotype is an oversimplified view of a type of person, based on one aspect of their identity, like race or gender or hair color or where they're from. It's important to know stereotypes so you can avoid them in your writing, both so you won't be generic and so

Tropes, on the other hand, are like adding sugar to cake, rather than salt: You want to know what your audience came for, so you can give it to them!

Tropes are things with universal appeal that audiences come back for time and time again. (Not to be confused with a cliche, which is just something that has been overused until it's cringey. For instance, the villain in a YA novel being a mean blonde cheerleader is both a cliche and a stereotype. But a trope might be that the main character is an underdog who manages to win the heart of the most high-status boy in school!) Examples: enemies to lovers, amateur detective, chosen one, only one bed...

Intelligent use of proven tropes, combined in a new and unique way, are the fastest way to genre writing success!

A trope is something that is instantly familiar to readers: a character type, setting, plot point, or style of writing that is recognizable and tied to a specific genre.

For example, one familiar romance story structure is the “enemies to lovers” plot. This pattern is immediately recognizable to readers, and although it is used often, writers are still finding new and unique ways to spin it, and readers still love engaging with it.

Another popular trope is that of “The Chosen One.” Think about it: Both Luke Skywalker and King Arthur find a magical sword, receive the guidance of an older, wiser mentor, and go on a journey to storm a stronghold to save a princess. Even though the building blocks are the same, the stories are vastly and entirely different…and centuries apart!

There are hundreds of ways to apply this trope and come out with a unique and fresh story.

Tropes are the conventions, ideas, or motifs that make up these basic building blocks of all storytelling. In order to tell a fantastic story, tropes are necessary (and not to be confused with clichés, which are devices, expressions, or phrases that have been used so often and in so many places that readers have become tired of them, and desensitized to them). But why are they necessary?

Well, tropes are baked into every genre that we know and love. If you’re writing a western novel, odds are you might have a lone cowboy or a bumbling sheriff in there. If you’re writing a thriller or mystery novel, you might find yourself creating a gritty, lone-wolf detective, who acts first and asks questions later. Just because these tropes have been used before, doesn’t mean they’re tired!

If you’re writing in a specific genre, in order to use tropes effectively, you should be intimately familiar with the tropes of that genre. Knowing them inside and out means you’ll have your best shot at subverting them and spinning them in new ways that readers will enjoy (and avoid veering into cliché territory).

Think of books in the genre that you’ve read before. Was there one that you didn’t like? Ask yourself: What specifically made you dislike it? It might be that a trope wasn't used effectively, and if you can identify exactly what disappointed you about the way that trope was used, it can help you discover what you wished that writer might have done differently. And then: poof! Suddenly you have a thread of inspiration you can pull on to get some ideas for your own story.

Remember: tropes are patterns. And patterns can be twisted, bent, and manipulated. Just be careful not to break the pattern, or you risk readers finding it difficult to relate to a trope they cannot recognize and therefore relate to.

Writers just like you are still finding fresh ways to put a spin on tropes of all kinds, and using those building blocks to build entirely new and unexpected things for us to read!

When it comes to building characters, tropes and stereotypes get trashed. Authors shy away from them, not wanting their stories to sound stale because they're leaning on well-worn tropes. But applied sparingly, these storytelling crutches can enrich your characters, allow readers to jump in easily, and even lay the foundation for surprise and depth.

Tropes are a short-cut for your readers. They give readers a feeling of who a character is and where they stand in the story. A "mentor," for instance, gives a feeling of guidance, a "reluctant hero" gives a feeling of inner conflict, and a "grizzled detective" gives a sense of experience and exhaustion. These archetypes shave space out of your storytelling so readers can catch on to relationships and dynamics immediately. The art is to combine them with unique characteristics that make your character stand out.

Stereotypes are worse. They can establish context rapidly, but they can also be lazy or toxic if they are not challenged. The trick is to use them as a springboard, and not an endpoint. A character who holds the "shy bookworm" description might secretly be a social master manipulator. That interplay between expectation and reality keeps things interesting and provides depth.

Another great way to use tropes is to subvert expectations. Use a "princess in distress" who saves herself or a "charming rogue" who has imposter syndrome. By turning the expected tropes on their head, you catch the reader off guard without losing respect for those conventions.

Ultimately, the most compelling characters are born from layers beyond the trope. Surface traits like charm, wit, or wisdom draw people in, but motivation, flaw, and contradiction create a character. Tropes will also support your themes—whatever they may be, from redemption to generational insight to ambition's cost—adding cohesiveness to your narrative but still permitting complexity.

The issue happens when writers rely on tropes or stereotypes without questioning them. Does every single one serve the story, add depth, and make your character more human? Used consciously, tropes and stereotypes are not clichés—they are tools used to make your characters immediately recognizable, resonant at a thematic level, and unforgettable.

While it's worth noting the use of tropes and stereotypes can be comforting -- I love an enemies-to-lovers, "Who did this to you?" trope in romance, and the Chosen One in young adult makes me nostalgic for the golden age of dystopian; however, you can also use stereotypes and tropes by subverting them.

A great example is Victoria Aveyard's RED QUEEN. I won't reveal the twist, but it took a certain romantic stereotype, crushed it to pieces, and surprised readers in a way that still gives me (delightful) trauma! Another more general example is the Game of Thrones series and the way that George RR Martin kills characters off left and right. Those you thought were heroes or "chosen" are not guaranteed to be around long enough to fulfill any destiny.

So by all means, embrace tropes and stereotypes to give readers what they want; however, think about surprising them a little bit. See how you can tell a different story.

There is a common misconception within writing circles that "trope" = bad or cliche. While yes, certain tropes and character traits can become overused and cliche, tropes are more like reader expectations when they pick up a book from a certain genre. For instance:

1. In romance, tropes are things like friends to lovers, enemies-to-lovers, he falls first, grumpy neighbor
2. In YA fantasy, tropes can be things like the Chosen One, Love Triangles, or Hidden Magic
3. In middle grade, tropes can be the power of friendship, magical animals, magical academies

While not all books in these genres include all of these things, and while these things can certainly be cliche if you don't put your unique take on it, they are what readers enjoy about a genre. After all, isn't that why you read a certain genre, because there are tropes and elements within that you enjoy?

The way to use these stereotypes and tropes to your benefit is to use them as a framework, understanding how they operate and why readers enjoy them. Then, sprinkle your unique author magic on them. How you describe characters, the dynamic between two characters, how certain elements show up or are utilized, all these can be unique to you and your book. You're not looking to reinvent the wheel, but rather give it a new coat of paint, your coat of paint, so that you write the story you want while delivering a satisfying reader experience.

Dialogue is one of the most powerful ways to introduce your characters and bring them to life for readers. When done well, it reveals personality, relationships, and motivations—all in a way that feels natural and engaging. Here are a few techniques to make character introductions through dialogue memorable, with examples from authors I’ve worked with.

Show personality through speech patterns

The way a character speaks—their tone, choice of words, and rhythm—can reveal a lot about who they are. In Losing Juliet by June Taylor, the dialogue between two adult female characters is a perfect example. One character is guarded and precise, while the other’s tone is more casual and assertive. This contrast instantly tells us about their personalities and sets up their complex dynamic. When editing, I often help authors create unique speech patterns that make each character’s voice distinctive.

Reflect relationships through dialogue

How characters speak to each other reveals their relationship dynamics. In Losing Juliet, Taylor uses subtle hints in the dialogue to convey past secrets and tension without spelling it all out. Readers sense the history and conflict between the characters, making the dialogue feel rich and layered. When I work with authors, I encourage exploring these nuances in relationships, showing rather than telling.

Reveal motivation through subtext

Great dialogue often goes beyond what’s explicitly said. In The Hanged Man Rises by Sarah Naughton, the children’s dialogue is filled with innocence and curiosity, yet it often hints at deeper fears and uncertainties. This subtle layer adds intrigue without needing direct exposition. I frequently work with authors to find opportunities for subtext, letting readers read between the lines to discover characters’ hidden motivations.

Show conflict and tension

Conflict in dialogue can reveal a character’s core traits. In The Hanged Man Rises, Naughton’s children’s dialogue shows both their vulnerability and resilience, heightening the story’s suspense. In Losing Juliet, conversations between the protagonists highlight simmering anger and unresolved issues, offering readers a glimpse of what drives each character. When editing, I encourage authors to think about how characters might speak differently under pressure—revealing who they are when emotions run high.

Balance dialogue with actions and reactions

Dialogue is most impactful when paired with physical cues. In Losing Juliet, Taylor often uses gestures and subtle actions to deepen the impact of what’s said (or left unsaid). These small cues add depth, creating a more immersive experience. I often advise authors to integrate these details, as they can make dialogue feel more real and relatable.

Reflect character growth in speech

As characters evolve, so should their dialogue. In The Hanged Man Rises, Naughton’s young characters’ dialogue changes as they face challenges, reflecting their growth over the course of the story. This shift makes their journey feel authentic, and I often encourage authors to consider these changes as they develop characters’ arcs.

How much or how little a character "speaks" says a lot about them. A dialect can also reveal where they are from. Broken English or a stutter can also say a lot. Dialogue is a great way to "show" and not "tell."

The main thing to get across when introducing characters through dialogue is to write it so it feels natural. Constantly ask yourself if the way you're making them speak is the way regular people in those circumstances would speak. If it sounds too stilted or infodump-y, that's going to distance your reader from the character because they'll feel unreal, manufactured—just there to move the plot along.

The issue with following current trends is that the trend may be over before you get your book completed and out to the world. If you write what you are passionate about, the story will usually end up being stronger because you are writing a story that means a lot to you, as opposed to writing something just because you think it might sell.

However, you want to be sure the story you are passionate about still has a strong possibility of selling by avoiding cliches and plots that have been overworked and overdone.

Strong stories that readers can relate to will have a good chance of finding an audience no matter the genre.

I recall reading a memoir of a famous tennis player and he started it by plunging the reader into his experience of facing a relentless machine shooting balls across the net to him -- all the fatigue and pressure of trying to become a pro was encapsulated in the scene. Much more interesting than starting it with when and where he was born etc.

Practice and read!

In the same way that you need to practice a musical instrument to get better, you need to do the same with writing too. Very few writers will publish the first book they ever write!

The other thing that will help you to improve your writing craft is reading. Read the books that are selling well in your genre right now, not just the bestsellers from a decade ago. Study them. Look at the reviews for these books and listen to what readers are saying.

There are loads of brilliant books that will help you to write an effective novel as well (Into the Woods by John Yorke, The Science of Storytelling by Will Storr, Story Genius by Lisa Cron and Save the Cat Writes a Novel by Jessica Brody are a few of my favourites). Even if you don't agree with everything they say (I don't necessarily agree with every piece of advice in the above!) it's so helpful to see a range of different perspectives. You'll also quickly be able to see the patterns and advice from these books in the bestsellers you read. There are also loads of podcasts, blog posts, YouTube videos and audiobooks out there too, as well as Reedsy's own masterclasses!