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How to Write Clichés

Touché Cliché. The best advice I can offer for writing clichés is, don't do it.  There may be times when a cliché used as a metaphor is better than a whole paragraph to explain what you mean.  But I would think there are very few times.  Your characters are allowed to use clichés in their dialogue because many people do use them in general speech,  but you shouldn't, no matter what it is you are writing.  And unless you are using a cliché-ridden speech pattern as a means of character portrayal, your characters shouldn't indulge in them too often either.

Try also to avoid cliché plots and cliché events.  How many action movies have you seen where the villain has been effectively dealt with and subdued and even, to all intents, killed but then just when everybody starts to relax, up pops the villain again for one more attempt against the hero?  The problem with cliché plots is that most people spot them almost as soon as you begin to weave the storyline.  It's like trying to tell a hoary old joke to a comedian. 

Remember too that stereotyping is a form of cliché.  People are not all cast from the same mould; so if there is no good reason for one of your characters to be of a stereotype, don't do it.  Many people find it offensive.  These are the same people you would like to buy your stories.

If you feel you absolutely must use a cliché, then make one up.  It will still sound hackneyed and it will still sound trite but at least it's original. 

If you don't understand that it is a problem of writing style, then paste the heading, How to Write Clichés, into a search engine and see what comes up.  You will probably be surprised at the number of hits.  You should also visit some of the sites, many very humorous, to see what you can learn from them.

If you don't know what a cliché is, then look it up.  And when you know for sure, then avoid them like the plague.  Got it?