Story Tropes: Lazy or Helpful?

Here's the latest from Jami Gold, Paranormal Author :

 

Every genre and medium of storytelling uses tropes, common themes or story devices. Tropes are so common in all types of stories that a whole website is dedicated to examining them all.

Tropes often have a bad reputation—for good reason. All too frequently, they emphasize lazy storytelling or worldbuilding.

If we hear about a YA book centered on the high school experience, we may immediately jump to conclusions about what the story will...