A free writer’s workshop
In Defense of the Shadow Daddy: a free writer’s workshop. Tropes aren’t the problem. It’s all in how you use them.
Tropes are aren’t the problem. It’s all in how you use them.
Enemies to lovers. Fated mates. Forbidden magic. Deadly trials. Brooding immortals with questionable morals. Readers know what they love. Tropes work best when they make your characters choose, grow, and occasionally make a disastrous decision for a very good reason.
Enemies to loversFated matesForbidden magicDeadly trialsMorally grey immortals
Exhibit A: The Shadow Daddy
There’s nothing wrong with a Shadow Daddy. Just give him a personality.
Your love interest has shadows. Excellent. Does he have motives? Consequences? We can work with that. This workshop turns familiar tropes into real romantic conflict, and your characters into something more interesting than their cheekbones.
What we’ll actually cover
Why a trope is not a plot, a cliché, or merely a moody aesthetic.
What readers expect from fated mates, enemies to lovers, forbidden magic, and more.
How to connect your world’s magic rules to romantic tension and meaningful choices.
How to build an original-feeling trope stack without filling out a checklist.
How to turn a mysterious, morally grey love interest into a character with motives, limits, and consequences.
“He’s hot and has control of shadows.” is not a complete character.
We’ll fix thatThe Romantasy Trope Primer
Every registration includes this downloadable workbook. Read it before the session, or bring it along and scribble in it live.
Bring your favorite flavor.
Romantasy authors planning their first book, drafting a new series, or revising a manuscript that has all the right ingredients but still feels too familiar.
Questions, answered
Is it really free?
Yes. The live one-hour session and the digital workbook are free when you register.
Is this for beginners?
Yes, though experienced writers will get concrete revision tools as well.
What time is it?
Monday, November 23 at 7:30 PM EST (4:30 PM PST), for one hour.
Will there be a replay?
Yes! All registered attendees will receive a link to the replay.
Will I be able to create my own Shadow Daddy?
Of course! Create as many as you’d like.
Give us an hour
and leave with an understanding
of the power (and magic!) of tropes!
Register for free
Your free Romantasy Trope Primer arrives by email when you register.