I’m sure many of you have missed the sanctity of The Writers’ Bloc just as I have. That being said, well, it really explains why I’m Guest Posting now. It is Tuesday, after all, and I had this idea spring into my head, so I wrote it. I have a few more in mind, too. So maybe there’s a chance to revive the place? Yeah, maybe.

Anyway, hopefully you’ll get something out of this ‘ere post.

Avoiding Clichés

As a writer, one invariably comes to something of a fork in the road not at all unlike a Frost poem I’m pondering, and when said fork is met, the writer must choose between that which is clichéd, time-tested, and well-known or that which is original, new, and potentially criminal (maybe not). My request of you is that you take the road not clichéd.

I’ll be the first to admit that the buggers are hellish to avoid, but that once avoided, their absence makes a piece stronger, more readable, and downright better. Knowing how to spot them, too, is a good skill to hone, though one that takes practice, so that when you’re proofreading the tired lines are easy to catch and remove. Remember, boys and girls, the original writer is he who, well, is original. No one wants to be a carbon copy, and when you’re a writer, you certainly don’t want to be a predictable mess.

Now, how is it that a writer can go about avoiding clichés? Because, and let’s be honest, they lurk around every corner and hide in every nook and cranny. Why, look there! I’ve just given you a few clichés. Process that a minute, would you, while I search for a helpful little link.

Ah, here we are: Cliché. Click that link and read the definition provided. It’ll do the both of us a big favor.

Okay, now that we’re both clear on what a cliché is, let’s work on avoiding them.

I figure the best way to learn is through recognition and actual practice; so, here we’re going to do both. First we will look at a few passages that are clichéd. The differences will be discussed, after which, something of a two-part assignment will be given. Let’s get started, then, shall we?

Alright! Here come the clichés! Be wary:

“I’ve got a bad feeling about this.”
On why this is cliché: For the obvious reasons, actually. This line is frequently used and seldom done well. Honestly? Okay, sure, you’ve got a bad feeling. Thanks for telling us something your expression did a better job of doing, anyway.
How to fix it: There are several ways, really. One way? You’re a writer, you don’t need dialogue to portray a character’s “bad feeling.” The writer has narration in the palm of their hands. Use it. Describe the bad feeling with a twist. Use experiences that your character would have gone through to gauge how bad the feeling is or what it is similar to. Also, as hinted to above, you could describe the character’s facial expression. The face reveals a slew of emotions, so let it.

“Is that the best you can do?”
On why this is cliché: Again, this line is overused and with decreasing appeal. Personally, it ruins an action scene for me because I go to thinking “Is that the best you can do?” And I hate to think in clichés.
How to fix it: Once again, dialogue isn’t a necessity. Especially not in a fight scene, unless, of course, you have a talker. If you do have a talker, odds are, he’s more unique than the average hobo throwing out lines like “Is that the best you can do” or “You hit like a girl” or “That tickles.” If you don’t have a talker, which is more likely, describe his real reaction to being punched, insulted, kicked, what-have-you. Did it really hurt him/her? Was it something to even acknowledge? Again, keep descriptions and narration specific to your character (we’ll discuss characterization another time).

One more, “This is where we first met.”
On why this is cliché: Like the others, overused. Also, it doesn’t reveal anything about the emotion behind the dialogue. It’s a flat line, meaningless in its usage.
How to fix it: If you’re going for dialogue, describe the speaker’s memory of the first meeting; give their emotions, the details they noticed, maybe the importance. If you’re more into internal dialogue, really you’ll just be doing the same thing, but be more honest. A person seldom tells it like is (also a cliché). In spoken dialogue, reveal less, but portray the same emotion. Internal dialogue, be as honest as possible.

Examples have been given, so let’s move on to practice. This will be the audience participation portion of today’s activities: I’ll provide you with a few clichéd lines, phrases, and words. You’re going to translate them into your own unique words. Remember to notice why the line is cliché and think about how you can make it better. (Create the circumstances around the line on your own. It should help add to your unique perspective if you have more freedom with your vision.)

“You complete me.”

“Old as dirt.”

“Cold-hearted”

“I gave 110 percent.”

“You had me at hello.”

This last one is really to help out with those of you participating in theOtaku.com’s Winter Writing Contest: Think about Christmas/Winter stories you’ve read or at least heard of. Can you think of any clichés running through them? What about situations that occur over and over, reoccurring motifs and the like. Identify those and avoid them. And if you’re feeling generous, share.

Now, this isn’t a requirement because, frankly, even if it were, there wouldn’t be any force behind it, but I ask that, should you choose to take this upon yourself, please post your unique translations to these clichés and link to your post in a comment here. I, and I’m sure others, would love to read them to learn more about clichés and how to effectively avoid them.

Finally, thank you for your time, and I’ll be back. [/Arnold!Cliché]

Feature: 11/10/09 | Posted By: Wayward Warrior | 0 comments