We’re starting a new series today on avoiding all sorts of clichés (like the plague). Today, we’ll hit phrases and common idioms that lead to lazy writing. Next week, we’ll slam cliché gestures and body language that creep into our characters’ interactions. The big finale will knock out the top storytelling clichés. To read more, click here.
And thanks to A Syn for the image.
I’m so afraid of writing a cliche! If I think to myself, “Is this a cliche?” I suppose it is!
Also, you should see my list of crutch words that I have to slice from my drafts. I have lots of crutches.
Right! Me, too. My rule of thumb is, if you can’t take it LITERALLY, but other people would know what you mean and not compliment you on your poetry or say, “I’ve never thought of it like that before,” then… I’m glad you keep a list of crutch words. It shows. THAT makes it a joy to read your work.
It’s so hard to avoid all clichés in our writing. I find it a challenge at times, but I totally agree, we need to eradicate them. Thanks for your words of wisdom in this post.