In this delightfully rich episode of The Six Figure Author Experiment, Lee and Russell sit down with bestselling author and teacher Theodora Taylor to talk about Universal Fantasy, Butter Sponsors, and how to keep your creativity alive. Together, they explore how to rediscover joy in your work, why tropes resonate so deeply with readers, and how “butter” — those emotionally charged, sensory-rich story moments — can transform good books into unforgettable ones. From Batman and Beauty and the Beast to K-pop Demon Hunters, this conversation is a masterclass in emotional storytelling and audience connection.
Topics Covered:
What Universal Fantasy really means (and how it differs from tropes)
“Butter” and “Butter Sponsors”: how to find what makes your story delicious
Why readers crave emotional payoff — and how to deliver it at an 11
Turning familiar tropes into deeply resonant, character-driven moments
How to use set-up and payoff to craft satisfying emotional arcs
Common author fears about “too much butter” — and why it’s rarely enough
How creative burnout often stems from disconnection from joy
Using songs, movies, and aesthetics as inspiration (Butter Sponsors in action)
Finding new creative sparks through The Artist’s Date and playful exploration
How “Enemies to Lovers” and “One Bed” tropes can be done right
Why professors taught us to avoid “cringe” — and why we must unlearn that
Emotional truth vs. literary restraint: making readers feel
The psychology of wounded heroes (and why Batman is the ultimate billionaire romance archetype)
Writing as entertainment — embracing your role as storyteller and performer
How to bring joy back into your author career through intention and play
Theodora’s framework of “Butter Comps” — finding comp stories across media
Building an “author butter” style unique to your voice and emotional palette
The Happy Medium between structure and intuition in storytelling
Why joy and generosity are the secret to long-term creative fulfillment
