How to Avoid Writing in Clichés

A cliché is ‘a phrase, remark, or opinion that has very often been said or expressed before and is therefore not original and not interesting.’ However, over-use in subsequent years moves these remarks into the realm of boring and stereotypical--two things you really want to avoid in your work. 

There are three main categories of cliché:  

1. Descriptive – common phrases and figurative speech such as ‘you can’t judge a book by its cover’ 
2. Character – for example the ‘damsel in distress’ or an ‘old, wise hag’ 
3. Plot – the ‘Love Triangle’ or ‘Happily Ever After’  

It’s almost certain that your manuscript will fall into a cliché trap in at least one of these areas, especially in its early drafts, but used correctly, they are a great way to link concepts or ideas. Used incorrectly, however, they can leave your writing predictable and drab. Here are our top tips to avoid falling into the cliché trap: 

• FRESH THINKING 

We’ve all heard the expression ‘there’s no such thing as an original story’, but the truth is there is only one way to tell the story that’s unique to you. Your plot might not be one-of-a-kind, but you can make the perspective innovative (think ‘Three Little Pigs’ told from the wolf’s point of view) or choose an unexpected setting (Red Riding Hood set in the stone age). Remember, truth is stranger than fiction--use this to your advantage. Don’t tell the readers what you think they want to hear, tell them the story that only you can. 

• DRAMA IN THE HUMDRUM 

It can be tempting to make your story feel original by overloading it with action (jilted lover seeks revenge by killing her ex and his new partner etcetera, etcetera). This heightened sense of drama can easily fall into cliché because it confuses the compelling story with the dramatic. More realistic and interesting stories exist in how the change in the protagonist’s life impacts them day-to-day, and what path that sets them on. Readers want to see the nuance, and to feel that they can relate to the protagonist’s ordeal. 

• SHADES OF GREY 

A real-life villain is rarely all bad and a three-dimensional hero will have its flaws. Having characters with a mix of both good and bad qualities is what makes your story believable and relatable. It stops you from falling into the clichéd character trap. 

• RESEARCH IS KEY 

If you’re writing about a real place, then immerse yourself into that setting. If you can’t visit it in person, then make sure you are researching real-life examples of that culture. Give your readers the information they couldn’t know just from the headlines. 

• HAVE FUN  

If you feel that you keep falling into clichéd writing, then use that to your advantage by flipping it on its head. Take the usual trope and subvert it--for example you have written a story about two characters who are vying for the attention of another (the love triangle). What if they all end up travelling together, not falling in love, but having a great time and becoming life-long friends? I’m already more interested in that story, aren’t you? 
Our blog on ‘Top Tips from Famous Writers’ is a great place to go for ideas on how to find and embrace your unique voice. If, at the end of your manuscript, you want that extra reassurance that there are no hidden clichés remaining then Rowanvale Books can help. Our ‘Writing Advisor Service’ provides you with a one-to-one service on how to perfect your book. This includes an extra pair of eyes to spot those clichés and ensure that your manuscript is as original as you.