Tired of hearing your story feels “too familiar”? In this episode, we explore how to spot, avoid, and reinvent common fantasy clichés to make your writing truly original.

In the debut episode of The Fantasy Writers’ Toolshed, hosts Richie Billing and JM Williams dive deep into the world of fantasy tropes and clichés. We all know them — the Chosen One, the wise old mentor, the dark lord who’s evil for the sake of it. But why do these familiar elements get such a bad reputation, and how can you use them to your advantage rather than let them drag your story down?

You’ll learn:

• What makes a cliché different from a trope — and why not all clichés are bad.

• How to identify tired fantasy conventions that weaken your story’s originality.

• Practical writing tips to subvert or reinvent classic fantasy elements.

• Creative ways to use clichés intentionally to enhance themes or character arcs.

• How to turn reader expectations on their head without losing coherence.

• Worldbuilding advice to help your fantasy setting feel unique and immersive.

Richie shares insights from years of studying and teaching fantasy writing, offering clear, actionable strategies for elevating your storytelling. Whether you’re outlining your first novel or polishing your tenth, this episode gives you the tools to recognise patterns in fantasy fiction — and transform them into strengths.

We also discuss some of the most overused fantasy tropes in modern storytelling, including:

• The Chosen One prophecy

• Elves, dwarves, and orcs lifted straight from Tolkien

• Evil villains with no real motive

• Tavern introductions and ancient prophecies

• The wise mentor who always dies

By the end, you’ll understand how to breathe new life into these familiar setups and make them your own.

Key takeaways:

• Learn how to transform clichés into original story elements.

• Discover why readers still love certain tropes — and how to use that to your advantage.

• Gain fantasy writing tips to strengthen your worldbuilding and character development.

• Understand how professional writers play with expectation to create powerful moments of surprise and satisfaction.

If you’ve ever wondered how to write fantasy stories that feel fresh, relevant, and emotionally engaging, this episode is packed with useful insights.

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