Wish I'd Known Then . . . For Writers Tips from Jennifer Hilt and Sara Rosett: Mystery and Thriller Tropes that Hook Readers
302 / We’re talking about the power of tropes in storytelling with Jennifer Hilt, uncovering why elements like scars, secrets, and shame drive compelling mysteries and thrillers—and how they show up in every genre.
Jennifer shared insights from her Trope Thesaurus series, and both guests revealed how understanding and leveraging tropes isn’t just a writing shortcut—it’s a way to deepen character, amp up conflict, and even supercharge your marketing.
- Tips for handling co-writing and collaboration
- Breaking down “scars and secrets” as trope superstars
- How to make the tropes unique and memorable to your story
- Using tropes to analyze popular media with examples from Severance, The Housemade, and Justified
- The storybeats of tropes
- Plus we brainstorm a story with the armenia trope
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⚡Links:
- www.jenniferhilt.com
- Mystery and Thriller Trope book: https://books2read.com/MysteryandThriller
- Jennifer Hilt on Trope Con and Planning Online Events: https://wishidknownforwriters.com/262-2/
- How to Use Tropes to Create Strong Characters and Deepen Conflict with Jennifer Hilt: https://wishidknownforwriters.com/155-2/
🚀 Jami’s Consulting and Workshops: https://www.jamialbright.com/authorworkshops
❤️ Jami’s books https://amzn.to/3wSraA5
🔎 Sara’s books https://www.sararosett.com/bibliography/
📚 Sara’s How to Write a Series book and audiobook: https://www.sararosett.com/how-to-write-a-series/
The Big List of Craft and marketing books mentioned on WIKT podcast episodes https://bookshop.org/lists/recommenced-resources-for-writers-from-the-wish-i-d-known-then-podcast