photo © 2006 darwin Bell (via: Wylio)
Cliches. In our plots, in our characters, in our words. Cliches are the opposite of originality. Cliches must go.
So how do we guard against tired, boring cliches in our writing?
1. Weeding out plot cliches - read. A lot. And be aware of how often you see the same storylines/situations. The schoolmarm and the sheriff? The secretary and the boss? The restaurant/car/kitchen scene? Avoid these when plotting. Use fresh backgrounds, occupations, settings. Something to make your work stand out.
2. Weeding out cliches in our writing. The secret to finding and weeding out cliches in our writing is this: If you can finish the phrase without having to read it...it's a cliche.
As red as a _______.
As dead as a __________.
As mad as a ________.
3. What if you can't think of a way not to use a cliche? If you can't think of a way to describe something without using a cliche...do what James Scott Bell teaches. Use the cliche, and up the ante. JSB gave this example in a workshop, and it has stuck with me. "She looked like a million bucks...tax free." Isn't that great? A cliche with a twist, punched up and more powerful.
How do you avoid a cliche, and what is one of your favorite cliches?