I try to avoid using cliches in my writing but I think I fail sometimes because I don't think anyone can avoid them if they are readers and in most cases, writers. I am all too familiar with words I read often and some sticks to my mind so even when I don't try to use cliches, they just pop in my head without me realizing.
Generally, I don't think cliches are bad unless they are used excessively though I can't say I know all the cliches but just enough to recognize them. There are cliches that are just right and says exactly what can be easily understood so using them isn't a bad idea. Maybe not everyone can recognize cliches because when you're reading, you don't go looking for them but they certainly populate books even if you don't know them.
As a reader or as a writer, do you think cliches are bad?
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I guess clichés aren't easily avoided, but then again, they can be useful...sometimes the best thing for a reader (at least this reader 🙂) is a book that does employ a cliché, but reverses or puts a twist to it!
ReplyDeleteRoberta: I do sometimes like how some cliche storylines get new twist. What is that they said - there are no new ideas, just new ways of doing the same thing.
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Hi, from Anonymously Esther O'Neil. East of the Sun. IWSG. No signal - Not sure whether you mean the basic story archetypes, or repetitious cliches. Much as I'd love to be original,.it wouldn't be true, Familiar stories can be told in new ways. ,
ReplyDeleteEsther O'Neil: I mostly mean writing (the acutal words) in general but also familiar ideas so yes, you're right, there are no new stories, just new ways of telling those stories.
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There are some good cliches though- Christine cmkk79.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteChristine: It's true, like I said, some cliches says just the right thing and everyone just understands it.
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I quite like work that recognises cliches and puts a new twist or angle to them.
ReplyDeleteElephant's Child: Yes, me too. Like I said to Roberta in the comments, cliches could have twist and made them anew.
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Tropes can be fun but I keep the clichés in dialogue. Some characters are just full of them. hehehe
ReplyDeleteAnna from elements of emaginette
Emaginette: Oh yes, cliches in dialogue, I have read those. Some phrases/cliches are so useful that we all say them.
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I think we all have words we unwittingly use too often, and my CP and editor have helped me recognize and replace them. I consider cliches to be different--hackneyed phrases that lack creativity, like "from head to toe". I used those cliches in my early writing, and now I cringe when I read them in novels.
ReplyDeleteJennifer Lane: Some cliches are a bit hackneyed and used a bit too often but I don't think they are all bad and they are quite useful for those first writing.
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