Into the Fire

Passionate thoughts about the world of writing and the Power of God

recent posts

about

Passionate: right or wrong. Writes love stories with a passion. Raw Romantic Redemptive

How . . . cliché.

 

Words. So many. So few. Expressions. Clichés. Slang. Accents. Profanity. Vulgarity. What are writers to do with these words?

 

Let’s talk about clichés. We all know them well because most of us use them frequently in conversation without even thinking about them. They’re common in everyday talk. We recognize the comparisons, the similes. We understand their meanings because they wouldn’t have lasted this long or kept their familiarity if they weren’t descriptive enough to help people accentuate the moment or circumstance. Are they valuable? They hold their own place, or niche if you prefer, in the language.

 

But in writing fiction? They’re supposed to be kept to an absolute minimum. I’m suggesting the best place for them is how most people use them: in conversation. That’s where their commonality is acceptable. If an author uses them frequently elsewhere, I can’t help but wonder why. Is it because they’re writing to a specific audience who can relate to those phrases without noticing how well-worn and unimaginative they are when used to depict a particular emotion or situation?

 

Many industry professionals insist authors not write “down” to their readers. That premise is rarely backed up in what they publish. They fail to admit that their major demographic doesn’t separate “good” writing from bad. The average reader does not hone in on clichés or adverbs or dialogue tags. Writers do. And some editors.

 

Once again it comes back to the main thing: it’s all about story. And what appeals to one demographic will cause another to gag. Bonnet books vs. horror. Thrillers vs. category romance. Usually not tight couples. But writing is writing you say. Not so to many readers. There are some readers who couldn’t identify a noun from a verb, and the fact that the words they just read are known as clichés makes no never mind to them. In fact, those words just gave them a familiar understanding with which they can relate.

 

So, I wonder if clichés are ignored if certain novels are geared to reach a particular demographic . . .

 

Lord, all I need to do is write what you give me and do it the best I can. You’re all I’m livin’ for. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

Posted in

6 responses to “How . . . cliché.”

  1. Brenda Avatar
    Brenda

    The anti-cliche thing drives me nuts. They DO work b/c they are the most succinct way to get a point across. And usually they tell us something about the character speaking. You’re going to get a lot of info about a character who says “slick as a greased pig”. And I often find that when writers try hard to avoid writing a cliche, what they do use in its place is long and clunky.
    Besides, I think the writing powers that be have it backwards. I’ve read all the arguments about it not being fresh, original, what have you to use cliches. But to me, using a cliche is like using the word “said” instead of chortled, gasped out, demanded, etc. Cliches are invisible, just as said is.
    The only exception would be if you used THAT many cliches that they began to stand out. But people shouldn’t fear the cliche. If you have a new, short, succint way of saying something, go for it. But don’t drive ten miles to say something when 10 feet will do.

    Like

    Reply
  2. Mark H. Avatar
    Mark H.

    Hey, if you’re writing a novel and your back is against the wall, you need to dig deep and give 110%.

    Like

    Reply
  3. Brenda Avatar
    Brenda

    Except it shouldn’t be assumed that someone is giving less than their best if they use a cliche.

    Like

    Reply
  4. Nicole Avatar
    Nicole

    Mark, you’re so clever. You should write a book.
    Brenda, I believe cliches have a definite place in writing like anything else. However, if they come outside of first person POV or conversation, they sound “contrived”, you know? I agree they’re descriptive and say much about both the speaker and the situation, but in third person they get old, seem tired. And I might assume (as a writer) when too many are used, outside of the parameters I mentioned, that a writer isn’t doing his best. In the long run, though, mostly only writers will notice. Obviously the editor didn’t care.

    Like

    Reply
  5. Brenda Avatar
    Brenda

    Then one could argue, in this day and age, what phrase ISN’T perceived a cliche by someone?

    Like

    Reply
  6. Nicole Avatar
    Nicole

    You could indeed. Similes which catch my attention combine comparisons I’ve never thought of, but beware if they don’t work. I’ve stumbled over similes and metaphors which just didn’t work. I think cliches work when used in moderation. I agree it’s very difficult to avoid them. It’s the overuse, especially in certain genres, which gets to me.

    Like

    Reply

Leave a reply to Nicole Cancel reply