That’s a good point. One guy in my writer’s group was telling me about a certain bestselling novel, and he mentioned that the villains are the equivalent of religious fundamentalists. He seemed to think that was very cool and satisfying, but I told him it’s a tired cliche. Who knows if the author has anything personal against ‘fundies’. He/she may just know what secular editors like.
Fwiw.
“He/she may just know what secular editors like.”
I can’t imagine getting anything published these days. Glad I don’t make my living that way; best of luck to you! :)
In reality - there are only SO many stories to tell before they overlap in one way or another. It’s been a very long time since I’ve been surprised by anything in literature; the value is in telling it in a way that’s not so transparent to The Masses.
“Every man is a hero of his own story.” ~ Brandon Sanderson