Avoid Cliches in your Writing

cliche:

noun

1.

a trite, stereotyped expression; a sentence or phrase, usuallyexpressing a popular or common thought or idea, that has lostoriginality, ingenuity, and impact by long overuse, as sadder but wiser,or strong as an ox.(in art, literature, drama, etc.) a trite or hackneyed plot, characterdevelopment, use of color, musical expression, etc.

Time to confess. Are you guilty of using cliches in your writing? It's quite alright to admit it. If you do, you're in good company. Me included! Why do writers resort to a cliche when an original phrase would be so much better? 

They're convenient; they're ingrained in us from childhood; it's a lazy/easy way to write. We use them to make an interesting comparison but end up becoming just another writer instead of one who stands out.

I've been guilty of using cliches and have had it pointed out in critiques from members of my crit group many times. I do try to make amends when I rewrite but I don't always succeed. I'm working on it and trying to erase cliches from my stories. It's hard because they are so convenient; we can pluck them out of our memory bank in a flash.

I found an excellent article on the use of cliches that delves into the subject on a deeper scale. The author talks about phrases we use but also how cliches are seen within our story structure, too. Read the article and pay special attention to the section on story cliches.

Exercise:

Look at this list of cliches. Rewrite each one in a more original way. 

1. time will tell

2. fit as a fiddle

3. old as the hills

4. time heals all wounds

5. gut-wrenching pain

6. nerves of steel

7. nervous as a cat on a hot tin roof

8. brave as a lion