Page 577 - Boycott Movement

Whenever I find myself retreading a familiar story, one of my favorite tricks as a writer is to take all the lessons learned from the old story and make that the starting point, to take the past conflicts and gotchas and completely null and void them. “Okay, the characters aren’t going to fall for the same tricks as last time. What now? What are the motivations, conflicts, and stakes that take us forward?”

Naturally, when you’re writing fanfiction crossover remixes, retreading is all you do and this trick comes in very handy. But it’s also a neat little tool for writing in general, to build upon common lessons and create new challenges. I mean, yeah, I’m basically just describing subversion / aversion as a writing tool, but there’s more than one TVTropes way to look at things.

Fluttershy: Does Rarity really need us at the Gala?
Rarity: Yes, for many reasons. To back up my story, to show that I have connections… But also because you’re my friends. The Gala is an opportunity for everypony.
Twilight Sparkle: Really?
DM: Precisely. For instance, Applejack can make a lot of gold selling her treats…
Applejack: Sure, because stuffy nobles love apple pie.
DM: Rainbow Dash can connect with the Wonderbolts, who’ll be there…
Rainbow Dash: But… I’m not looking to join them yet.
DM: Pinkie Pie can go to the biggest party of the year…
Pinkie Pie: Didn’t we learn that Canterlot parties are 100% boring, though?
DM: Uh, Fluttershy can see the exotic animals in the royal gardens…
Fluttershy: That’s nice.
DM: And Twilight can… talk in-person with Celestia? You know, most ponies would kill for this opportunity.
Applejack: Most ponies ain’t got common sense.