When it comes to romantic fiction, the "opposites attract" trope is one of my favorites—not just because my husband and I fall into that category. There's something beautiful about two people (or even creatures like this cat and rooster) sharing a harmonious space. Even brief moments of tolerance can spawn deep friendships or more.
It wasn't until after I'd written several fiction book drafts that I discovered how important tropes are to both stories and readers. When a potential reader picks up a book and flips it over, they hope to find a summary that speaks to them. These blurbs deliver more information than just the characters' names and situations: they reveal the tropes.
"Enemies to lovers" is another one of my favorites. For me, it can be as simple as two characters who grew up competing and trading insults until they mature and realize they know exactly how to build each other up. How might that trope reveal itself in a blurb?
Reggie's mocking laughter had haunted Laura since childhood, but she was shocked to find how much she enjoyed laughing with him.
Breanne's plan to settle that old score dies when Greg unexpectedly leaves a box of her favorite chocolates on her desk.
For years, Morgan's insults pounded against Jessie's self-esteem, until the day Morgan apologized and vanished.
Each of these scenarios show some sort of tension between the characters until an event changes their perspective. As soon as a reader lands on these lines, they know a friendship or more is bound to blossom between these two former rivals. Villains can become allies, hatred can turn to unbreakable bonds, or a hidden story reveals the "why" behind the hurtful actions.
But this is where the potential reader makes a choice. We all do this when we read book blurbs. This particular trope will trigger a reaction ranging anywhere from cold to molten:
"Ugh, I'm so sick of stories where everything works out between the bully and victim. What about justice?"
"Hmmm, sounds like too many things I've read recently."
"Whoa, I gotta see how these characters make sense of all that past pain!"
As an author, I have to remind myself how subjective writing is. Just because I enjoy what I'm writing doesn't mean others will vibe with it. Capturing readers is an author's ultimate goal, but the same person could enjoy our books in one stage of life and be completely over the topic in another. No one can control this response. Life situations, current circumstances, and a multitude of other feelings can entice or repel potential readers. I've even found myself revisiting my old novels and rewriting (or cutting) certain scenes that used to bring me joy or pride.
This is the nature of writing. It's fluid and open to interpretation. This is why writing blurbs is so dang difficult for authors—especially for a story we've already written. How much information is too much? What needs to be included? Excluded? Does this sound too cliche? Who will I turn away if I mention that part? Does it really matter that my character can balance a marker on her nose for five minutes? Should I mention the specific creatures that exist behind the scenes or just hint at magical mischief?
I face this struggle every time I write a query letter or a blurb. Once I start stressing about story details, I forget that tropes provide shortcuts. What conflicts exist between the characters, their goals, and their situations? What brings order to the chaos?
When I hover here, relevant details tend to reveal themselves.
Writing blurbs may never get easier. All the second-guessing can be stressful and frustrating. But when I get it right? When I finish a blurb, read it over and think, "Okay, this sounds like something unique and interesting," I feel one step closer to publication. I may not know where my author journey leads, but as long as I have this passion, I want to follow it.
I'll write the blurbs; God will show me where to channel the passion.
If you struggle to write blurbs, I get you. It's a momentous task with plenty of pressure. Keep at it and remember: let the tropes work for you.
Keep on smilin'!
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