January 30, 2024

#TirgearrTuesday

Ancient and powerful vampire Corgan has been influencing struggling writer Marisa's life path. He wants to tell his story, before ending his existence, and chooses her to author his tale. But it’s complicated. Corgan knows his request will place her in grave danger. She doesn't.

Excerpt from A Vampire’s Tale

“Okay, Corgan Halton. Are you real?” She typed the name into a search engine.

“As real as you are.” The distinctive male voice resonated in the otherwise quiet room.

Marisa froze. She didn't dare turn around. It was her overactive imagination at play. There was no one there. She hoped. Maybe one of her friends? Is this a joke?

“Not a joke, Marisa.”

Gasping, she stood and spun around toward the sound of his voice.

As he stepped out of the shadows, she took in the man before her. Pale with black, curly hair, dressed in an impeccable suit. Dark and intimidating, he stood in her living room, shrinking the already small space.

Exactly as she’d imagined. She conjured him from her imagination? No… This is not happening.

She rubbed her unbelieving eyes. There couldn't actually be anyone there. When did she last eat? Did low blood sugar cause hallucinations?

He smiled at her, and the temperature in the room dropped several degrees.

“Who are you?” she demanded.

“Corgan Halton.” He gave a courtly bow. “At your service.”

No… She stared at him in shocked silence. It isn't possible.

“I assure you, my dear, it's entirely possible.”

“Do you read minds, too?” She held her breath and waited for his reply.

“You tell me. You're the vampire expert.”

Vampire? He’s a vampire?

January 23, 2024

Tropes and Clichés

If I said something was a trope, I think most people would assume me—an author and avid reader—would mean a literary trope. You know... one of the hundreds of themes used in romance novels like enemies to lovers; fake relationship; marriage of convenience; opposites attract; or there's only one bed!

But, actually a 'literary trope' means the use of figurative language and 'trope' means the same thing—a figurative or metaphorical use of a word or expression. And a trope is actually the same thing as a cliché. cliché is defined as an overused word or phrase to the point that the original meaning is lost or the current use is irritating.

I enjoy a clever cliché even though some purists think the use equates to lazy writing. Clichés are relevant (in my opinion) because people use them in real life. Think outside the boxEvery cloud has its silver liningThere's no "I" in team. These sayings hold water because they are often applicable. So... I like to play a little fast and dirty with the unwritten 'no cliché' rule... giving my characters some creative leeway...

Honestly, the use of tropes in romance is a useful device for building expectation. What happens when 'there's only one bed'? And, if you want to get technical, what we commonly call a trope is actually a 'literary theme'.

Takeaway? You can use the words 'trope' and 'cliché' interchangeably; and a romance novel trope is actually a literary theme.

What's your favorite literary theme? If you're an author and a reader, is your favorite literary theme the same for both activities?

Do I have a favorite literary theme? Too many choices...

If you like to pick your next read by literary theme, here's a Maya Tyler cheat sheet: