We had the good fortune of connecting with Jennifer Hilt and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jennifer, what is the most important factor behind your success?
My brand is about storytelling craft, specifically how tropes are applied across genres. What started out as one book has become a five-book series, The Trope Thesaurus. Being curious is the most important quality of a storyteller. It’s necessary to have that kernel of wonder: how did that author do that? I want to figure that out.

Curiosity fuels creativity. It is what makes humans unique storytellers, able to tap into the human condition. It’s a form of play that can be deeply rewarding on its own merits. It’s important to nurture curiosity because that is what will draw people to you.

When I wrote my first Trope Thesaurus book, I had no idea if anyone would find tropes interesting. But I was driven to do this work because i wanted to learn about tropes. It has been a pleasant surprise to find that others are trope-curious too!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’m the author of the Trope Thesaurus series. It’s a five-book series, with the most recent, Trope Thesaurus Mystery and Thriller, co-authored with USA Today Bestselling author Sara Rosett.

This series is about how writing craft, tropes as building blocks in storytelling, and leaning into your unique voice and worldbuilding. At the time I was writing the first book, tropes were little discussed in fiction, except to be lumped with cliches. I took a leap of faith and followed my own curiosity to write a series that has been very successful.

Last year, I created and hosted Trope Con, a virtual conference. Again, it was by trusting myself that I was able to have fun, connect with others, and empower storytellers. Persistence and being true to yourself are what I’ve learned are key to business. Push past the fear to bet on yourself is my advice!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’ve just relocated to the Coachella Valley from Seattle, so I’m busy learning my way around. I love thrifting; there are some very fun Angel thrift stops in the Palm Springs area.

I love trying new food. I’ve been enjoying all kinds of tacos and family-style Mexican restaurants. I especially love all the patio-style seating that lets me bring my pup Edgar along!

I like light hiking, so I’m enjoying the trails in the mountains around this area. The Bear Creek trail is one of my favorites!

For people watching, Old Town LaQuinta has art shows and farmers markets most weekends, Edgar and I love wandering around.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
The Indie publishing community has been where I’ve found my tribe! I’m so grateful for the friends and colleagues I’ve met. It’s a wonderfully diverse community with all kinds of support available.

Website: https://www.jenniferhilt.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorjenniferhilt/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCin-CIbxcR7jHB3kT5RH7pA

Other: Substack: @tropetalk

Image Credits
These are my images.

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