Breaking Stereotypes: Five Writing Tips to Ignite Creativity
Creativity thrives in the vast expanse of storytelling when we challenge conventions and push boundaries. Renowned writer Anthony Ehlers shares five insightful suggestions to elevate your craft and breathe new life into your narratives.
1. Gender Bends: Subverting stereotypes can be as simple as switching the gender of your characters. Imagine transforming the typical lone male serial killer into a popular young woman. This twist adds layers of complexity and fresh perspectives to your story.
2. Familiar but Fresh: Embrace familiar tropes but infuse them with unexpected twists. Picture two single characters meeting through an online dating site to form a deep platonic bond instead of a romantic relationship. By defying expectations, you invite readers to engage with your narrative in novel ways.
3. Making Stereotypes Work: Sometimes, leaning into stereotypes can be a strategic choice. Ehlers highlights a story where a character embodies the stereotype of a racist shop owner but is portrayed in a highly exaggerated and comical manner. This approach entertains while offering a poignant commentary on prejudice and political correctness.
4. Changing Viewpoints: By altering the narrative lens, explore familiar dynamics from fresh perspectives. For instance, the archetype of the cruel father and abused son introduces an unreliable narrator and depicts the son as a pathological liar. Each retelling becomes a distorted reflection, challenging readers to question their perceptions.
5. Cut and Paste Creativity: When faced with stagnation, unconventional methods can spark inspiration. Ehlers suggests creating a scrapbook by cutting out pictures and words from magazines and arranging them randomly. Connecting these fragments with written words can craft unconventional narratives that defy traditional storytelling conventions.
These five techniques serve as potent tools in any writer’s arsenal striving to break free from the constraints of clichés and stereotypes. By embracing innovation and daring to challenge conventions, you can breathe fresh life into your work and captivate audiences with deeply resonated narratives. Ehlers aptly demonstrates that the path to exceptional storytelling lies in the willingness to embrace the unexpected and explore the uncharted territories of imagination.
So, the next time you find yourself at a creative crossroads, remember Ehlers’ sage advice and dare to defy expectations. Your stories will thank you for it.
Evan Swensen
8370 Eleusis Drive
Anchorage, Alaska 99502
(907) 349–2424
evan@publicationconsultants.com
We Don’t Want to Write the Laws; We Want to Publish the Books
We Believe in the Power of Authors Short Video: https://bit.ly/45z6mvf
Writers Reshape the World Short Video: https://bit.ly/47glKOg
Bringing Your Book to Market Booklet: https://bit.ly/2ymDVXx
Bringing Your Book to Market Short Video: https://bit.ly/3Q3g2JD