089 - Exploring Universal Fantasies with Darby Fox [Romancing Like Swift]

In this episode of Romancing Like Swift, hosts Morgana Bevan and Emma-Lee Jane welcome steamy contemporary romance author Darby Fox to discuss how Taylor Swift's music inspires writers and enhances storytelling. Together, they explore the concept of micro tropes—those small but impactful moments in stories—universal fantasies that captivate readers, and the emotional connections that make romance novels resonate. Darby shares her experiences crafting stories about rock stars and billionaires, emphasizing the importance of specificity and character development in creating compelling narratives.

The discussion also highlights the challenges romance authors face, including misconceptions about the genre, and strategies for blending craft with emotional resonance. The trio reflects on Taylor Swift’s lyrics, albums, and their influence on character development and storytelling. The episode concludes with a lighthearted "Kiss, Marry, Kill" segment featuring Swift's songs, showcasing how personal connections shape storytelling preferences.

Key Takeaways:

• Darby Fox writes contemporary romance featuring rock stars and billionaires, blending craft with emotional intensity.
• Micro tropes are small, specific moments that enhance storytelling and deepen reader engagement.
• Universal fantasies tap into core desires and are central to captivating romance readers.
• Romance novels offer readers an emotional escape and explore desires in a safe and imaginative way.
• Taylor Swift's lyrics provide inspiration for writers through their depth and relatability.
• Character development is crucial, and authors can use their 'id lists'—personalized ideas of what excites them—to enhance storytelling.
• Music, including Taylor Swift’s albums, serves as a powerful source of creative inspiration for writers.
• Romance novels often face undue criticism but play a vital role in exploring emotional connections and universal fantasies.
• Tropes and character-specific moments are tools to create unforgettable scenes.
• Writing requires revisions, patience, and strategies for building characters readers love.

Episode Breakdown:

• 00:00 – Introduction to Romancing Like Swift Podcast
• 00:31 – Guest Introduction: Darby Fox
• 02:05 – Darby’s Writing Journey and Inspirations
• 03:01 – Swiftie Era and Album Discussions
• 05:21 – Microtropes and Universal Fantasies in Romance Writing
• 07:41 – Crafting Stories with Emotional Appeal
• 18:39 – The Importance of Specificity in Storytelling
• 22:42 – Real-Life Parallels in Romance Writing
• 32:40 – Building Character Scenes with Microtropes
• 33:26 – The Role of Tropes in Crafting Stories
• 34:22 – Taylor Swift's Influence on Storytelling
• 36:09 – Gilmore Girls as Character Inspiration
• 41:37 – Challenges in Writing Distinct Characters
• 45:55 – Revisions and the Writing Process
• 55:44 – Kiss, Marry, Kill: Taylor Swift Song Choices
• 01:02:39 – Final Thoughts and Farewell

Titles Referenced:

7 Figure Fiction by T Taylor

Story Genius by Lisa Cron