Breaking Away from Clichés in Tragic LGBT Vampire Romance

Writing a tragic LGBT vampire romance can be an enriching and emotional experience, but it can also be challenging to avoid common tropes and clichés that might detract from your story. Let's dive into some tips to help you create a story that resonates with readers and stands out in the genre.

Steering Clear of Overused Tropes

One of the most important things to remember is that while clichés are pervasive in the vampire romance genre, they don't have to be the defining elements of your story. Overused tropes like the brooding vampire with eternal youth or the iconic love interest can diminish the impact of your narrative. Instead, focus on crafting a story where characters develop and grow beyond these stereotypes.

Precision and Prowess in Description

When describing your characters and their emotional states, strive for precision and depth. Instead of relying on common phrases, opt for vivid and original descriptions. For example, consider the following:

Cliché: "His tongue was red as a blood."

Revised: "His tongue was blood-red."

These subtle changes can make a significant difference in the way your readers visualize and connect with your characters.

Show, Don't Tell

One of the most powerful techniques in storytelling is to show, rather than tell, your reader's emotions and actions. This method engages the reader and creates a more immersive experience. For instance:

Telling: "His eyes gazed at my neck."

Showing: "His magenta eyes lured over my neck."

By using active and descriptive language, you bring your characters and their world to life, making them more relatable and impactful.

Original Metaphors and Imagery

Using original metaphors and imagery can add depth and uniqueness to your story. Instead of resorting to tired descriptions, think of creative ways to describe your characters and their interactions. For example:

Generic: "He angrily looked at me."

Revised: "He death-stared me."

Further Revised: "His gaze was as chilling as the bite of a winter night’s cold, freezing the air around him."

By using fresh and imaginative language, you can make your story stand out and resonate with readers.

Challenging Common Premises

The premise of your story—two vampires falling in love—can feel cliché. However, by reimagining the story in a new light, you can avoid falling into these traps. Here are a few ideas to challenge your narrative:

Perhaps a middle-aged stockbroker vampire falls in love with a server at a diner, and the head vampire doesn’t approve. What if the vampire works the night shift as an EMT, easily accessing blood, and falls in love with a straight partner? A 200-year-old vampire with the body of a 10-year-old might fall in love with an adult, only for them to be forever apart due to the disparity in their appearances.

These ideas introduce unique challenges and dynamics that can add depth and complexity to your story, making it more engaging and thought-provoking.

B tr?g Self-PUBLISHing Planning for the First Step

Self-publishing doesn’t have to be daunting. Drawing from my experience of publishing over 200 books on Amazon and running 120 million Amazon ads, I’ve discovered the key to making the process smooth and successful.

Break down the process into manageable steps. This can be done through a self-publishing checklist, which can help streamline the entire publication process.

Start with a strong premise. While clichés are common, finding a fresh angle can make your story unique.

Hone your writing skills and let your characters come to life on the page. Show, don’t just tell, by using vivid and original descriptions.

Final Thoughts

Your first book doesn't have to be your best, but it should be the best foundation for your writing career. By challenging yourself and avoiding common tropes, you can create a story that resonates with readers and stands out in the LGBT vampire romance genre.

Happy writing, and may your story captivate and move your readers!