As a romance author who writes insta-love stories featuring aliens, paranormal creatures, and unusual scenarios, I understand the temptation to lean on familiar tropes and clichés.
However, in my experience, subverting these clichés can create more engaging and original stories that captivate readers. By taking a fresh approach to well-worn themes, you can breathe new life into your supernatural love stories and keep your audience on their toes.
Understanding Common Clichés
In my experience, identifying common clichés is the first step to subverting them effectively.
The Brooding Vampire
One of the most prevalent clichés in supernatural romance is the brooding vampire. While this trope has its appeal, I’ve found that giving your vampire character a different personality can make them stand out.
For instance, in a novella I wrote, the vampire was an upbeat, humorous character who embraced his immortality with a zest for life. This unexpected twist made him more memorable and endearing to readers.
The Forbidden Love
Another common cliché is the forbidden love between supernatural beings and humans. Instead of focusing solely on the external obstacles they face, you can delve into the internal conflicts that arise from their differences.
In a story I wrote, the conflict came from the characters’ differing values and life experiences rather than just societal disapproval. This added depth to their relationship and made their struggle more relatable.
The Damsel in Distress
The trope of a helpless heroine being rescued by a supernatural hero is common in paranormal romance. In my experience, giving the heroine her own strengths and abilities can make the story more engaging.
In a novella I wrote, the female protagonist was a powerful witch who saved the male lead from danger. This role reversal added excitement and complexity to their dynamic.
The Mysterious Stranger
The mysterious stranger who suddenly appears and changes everything is another frequent trope. I’ve found that adding a backstory and motivations for this character can make them more compelling.
In one of my stories, the mysterious stranger was revealed to be a long-lost member of a secret society with a crucial mission. This backstory added depth and intrigue to the character.
The Love Triangle
Love triangles are a staple in many romance stories, including supernatural ones. However, in my experience, making the relationships within the triangle more nuanced can subvert this cliché.
Instead of focusing on jealousy and rivalry, I explored themes of friendship and loyalty in a novella. The characters’ bonds were tested, but they ultimately worked together to overcome a common threat.
The Instant Mastery of Powers
A common trope in supernatural romance is the protagonist instantly mastering their newfound powers. I’ve found that depicting a learning curve and the struggles associated with it can make the story more realistic and relatable.
In one of my stories, the protagonist had to undergo rigorous training and face several failures before mastering her abilities. This added a layer of authenticity and growth to her character.
The Secret Royalty
The trope of a character discovering they are secretly royalty or possess some hidden lineage is frequent in paranormal romance. In my experience, adding unique twists to this revelation can make it more interesting.
In a novella I wrote, the protagonist’s royal lineage came with significant responsibilities and dangers, which added conflict and depth to the plot.
The Prophecy
Prophecies are a popular element in supernatural stories, often driving the plot. I’ve found that challenging or subverting the prophecy can add intrigue.
In a story I wrote, the prophecy was misinterpreted, leading the characters to make choices that defied expectations. This twist kept the readers engaged and added a layer of suspense.
Creating Unique Characters
Subverting clichés often involves creating unique, multifaceted characters who defy expectations.
Complex Backstories
In my experience, giving characters complex backstories can add layers to their personalities. For example, in a novella featuring a werewolf and a human, I gave the werewolf a history of being a healer in his pack.
This background added depth to his character and provided a unique perspective on his abilities, making him more than just a feral creature.
Unconventional Pairings
I’ve found that pairing unlikely characters can also subvert clichés. In a story about a witch and a ghost, their differing abilities and experiences created unique dynamics and conflicts.
This unconventional pairing kept the story fresh and intriguing, as readers were eager to see how their relationship would develop despite their differences.
Innovative Plot Twists
Incorporating innovative plot twists can keep your story from becoming predictable.
Subverting Expectations
In my experience, one way to subvert clichés is to set up an expectation and then twist it. For instance, in a novella where a human falls in love with a shapeshifter, I initially made it seem like the human was unaware of the supernatural world.
However, it was later revealed that she was a hunter tasked with eliminating supernatural beings. This twist added tension and complexity to their relationship.
Redefining Roles
I’ve found that redefining character roles can also add freshness to a story. In a story about an angel and a demon, instead of the angel being the moral compass, it was the demon who questioned the morality of their actions. This role reversal provided a fresh take on their dynamic and added depth to their characters.
Deepening Themes
Exploring deeper themes beyond the romantic plot can enrich your story.
Exploring Identity
In my experience, themes of identity and self-discovery can add depth to supernatural romance. For example, in a novella about a mermaid and a human, the mermaid’s journey of accepting her dual nature as both sea creature and human was central to the plot.
This theme of identity added an extra layer of complexity to their romance.
Addressing Social Issues
I’ve found that addressing social issues within the context of a supernatural story can make it more relevant and thought-provoking. In a story about a vampire and a werewolf, I explored themes of prejudice and acceptance within their communities.
This not only added depth to their relationship but also made the story resonate more with readers.
Final Thoughts
Subverting clichés in supernatural love stories involves understanding common tropes and finding creative ways to twist them.
By creating unique characters, incorporating innovative plot twists, and deepening themes, you can craft stories that stand out and captivate your readers.
In my experience, taking a fresh approach to familiar elements can breathe new life into your supernatural romances, making them more engaging and memorable.
