To Be Or Not To Be? Either Way, It's a Cliche

That's a really cute article. I'm bookmarking it.

For the most part, I rely on my grammar check to tell me when I'm using cliches. I don't turn that search on until I'm ready to start editing, but if I do happen to spot one on my own, I change it then.

unicornjam said:

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=103376025

A cute article on clichés from NPR. Can you spot the clichés they use?

Also, tell me how you handle clichés because I know we all use them -- even unintentionally. When you find yourself writing one, do you immediately get rid of it or do you keep it as a "placeholder" until something more inspired comes to you? (Or do you say, "Screw it!" and let it be? I won't tell!)

Click to expand...

You must kill all of the clichés in your writing. They tend to multiply.

My personal goal is to not use cliches, or if I must, then modify them so they have the appearance of being fresh and unique.

Mel...

When I notice I'm using a cliche, I try to change it right away to something more creative. It's difficult, though, because some cliches are so embedded in my mind and I use them (when speaking) on a regular basis.

I avoid cliches like the plague.

Awareness is the key to just about everything. A cliche is a habit of speech, and habits are things we do without being aware of them. Well-programmed wetware can beat software in spotting cliches -- or grammar/punctuation errors -- any time.

unicornjam said:

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=103376025

A cute article on clichés from NPR. Can you spot the clichés they use?

Also, tell me how you handle clichés because I know we all use them -- even unintentionally. When you find yourself writing one, do you immediately get rid of it or do you keep it as a "placeholder" until something more inspired comes to you? (Or do you say, "Screw it!" and let it be? I won't tell!)

Click to expand...

I do the placeholder thing. In fact, my current WiP started out as almost 100% cliché. I had an elven ranger, a dour dwarven fighter, the whole bit. But then it evolved and gradually bits were dropped or changed - I still have the elven ranger, except that he's half elf and a musket soldier.

Also, I'm not sure I agree with the list of clichés in that article. Reads more like a list of lines lifted wholesale from old books/plays.