I know you’re waiting with bated breath with a burning question—how have I banished clichés from my writing? This post is not; in any way, shape, or form; intended to be a bone of contention for people inclined to use clichés. In fact, there have been many books which have gotten glowing reviews that I’ve had the privilege to read that have clichés scattered throughout. To make a long story short, clichés do stick out like a sore thumb and should be used with caution. Although that’s easier said than done.
Okay, I’ll stop. :) That was painful.
As I’m reading over my odious first paragraph, the clichés are obvious. But when I’m speedily typing along on my WIP, clichés may not jump out at me (Lord. Now I’ve written in so many clichés that I can’t even stop. Strike ‘jump out at me’ for ‘stand out.’)
Editors hate them unless you turn the cliché into something fresh and different. So, instead of writing ‘He couldn’t make ends meet,’ you could say something like ‘He couldn’t make ends meet….or even make beginnings meet.’ Not very clever, but you get the drift.
Or you could just reword the cliché completely.
Are clichés ever good? Actually, they can be useful if you’re coming up with a humorous title for your book. My August release is Pretty is as Pretty Dies….a takeoff on the old saying “pretty is as pretty does.”
There are a few great sites that focus on clichés. Want to look up a cliché by letter? Go to the Cliché Site. Cliché Finder is another great site. Another is a site that instructs journalists which lists commonly-used hackneyed expressions to avoid.
Well, at least you can look at your own writing and spot the cliches! Sometimes I can’t see them until my writing group points them out.
Checking out the journalist’s link now! Thanks. (P.S. Got here from Galen’s Twitter link!)
This was a helpful post, thanks.
Very helpful, Elizabeth.Thanks. I have trouble spotting my own.
Karen
This is just clever, clever, clever. I love the first paragraph in particular. Just, well, clever. You get more out of seven paragraphs than I do out of seven pages. Sigh. I’m gonna have to stop reading this blog as you set the standard too high.(No, of course I’ll be back.)
Best regards, Galen
Imagineering Fiction Blog
Sometimes cliches are not bad. You can stick them in as you write, knowing that when you re-read (and aren’t rushing along on the flow of your first write) you can re-work them.
I love Pretty Is As Pretty Dies!
Helen
Straight From Hel
Another great post. I checked out the journalist site and was surprised by some words on the list. Think I’ll print them out and hang them by the computer. Thanks.
I use a plagerism checker that also identifies and high lights cliches. Its amazing how many we subconsciously use and not even realize it.
Stephen Tremp
http://www.stephentremp.blogspot.com/
Galen, you’re too nice. :) Thanks so much. Although I’m sure tomorrow’s blog will be crappy now–high expectations and all that.
Alexis, thanks for coming by and for the heads-up on how you arrived.
Warren and Karen, thanks for visiting.
Jane, I was surprised by some of the cliches, too…I guess that’s how insidious they can be!
Stephen–good idea with the plagiarism software.
I am going to go through my work with a fine toothed comb this weekend, by hook or by crook!
Great post – it’s funny how many times you can unconsciously fall into it. Going over now to check out the site. BTW, I really like your title Pretty is as Pretty Dies.
Nancy, from Realms of Thought…
I really like cliches when they are really clever, but I have to admit, that too many of them in one body of work does tend to annoy me sometimes. I think the fact that you are aware that some find this to be an issue might make it easier to not fall into the trap of over peppering them throughout your writing. Great post, by the way.
For me cliches only work if the p-o-v is in first person, then occasionally I’ll let soemthing slip through, but usually not. Cliches in dialogue–out of the mouth of a specific character–and carefully considered, now that is probably not too bad.
I allow cliches in a first draft. I don’t want anything to slow me down. If a recast of a cliche occurs to me at that point, I use the recast but if not, then I’ll fix it later.
Good points, good resources. Too bad we pattern our characters after real, live people…who talk in cliches!
Good luck, Glynis!
Nancy, you’re right…it’s so easy to start using them and not even think about it.
Zibilee, thanks so much for stopping by.
Gay, good point. I don’t like to slow down much when writing the first draft, either. I’m in the revision stage now.
Linda…you’ve ‘hit the nail on the head.’ :) Real people do talk that way. I guess we just have to ‘take the higher ground.’
Elizabeth