How to use fantasy writing tropes | The long journey
Channel: Write with Garret
Date: 09/08/2019

Writing devices become tropes when authors use them excessively. They aren't necessarily a bad thing. REPEAT: Tropes aren't necessarily a bad thing. They just need to be done either originally, excellently, or subversively.

In this video, I discuss a pet-pieve writing device of mine that every epic or high fantasy writer uses – the loooooong journey. The best fantasy authors did it well, and they served as inspiration for fantasy writers. But now, it's become over-used and stale. 

I discuss how we can use it in a more original way and give some useful steps on how to use this device in your writing.

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Video guide:

06:14 Here’s five tips on how to use this writing device or trope properly and/or originally: 

06:21 Number 1 – Keep the fleeing scenes to an absolute minimum – they’ve been done!

 06:36 Number 2 – If you have a fleeing scene, keep it short, keep up the pace!

07:19 Number 3 – You don’t need to describe every nook, cranny, twist and turn of the fucking road – cut to the them entering the inn or arriving at the city gates already!

08:30 Number 4 – If your characters are traveling from point A to point B, and it’s not intended to be a long journey, then get them there – QUICKLY. Literally, use one or two sentences to describe the travel.

10:05 Number 5 – If there must be travel, use it strategically to do some worldbuilding exposition. This is the perfect time to show not tell your world – use it wisely.