31 Days of Being a Writer

Day Four

 

“Last, but not least, avoid cliches like the plague” – William Safire

 

I’m sure you all caught the irony of the quote I posted. If not… this post is for you.

I understand the need for clichés, I really do, but when working on a good piece of writing I make an effort to not use clichés. They bring down the quality of work. I hate reading clichés because it makes me feel like the author is dumbing down his/her work to relate to my simple mind. It’s as though I can only understanding something that I’ve heard hundreds of times already.

One of my biggest pet peeves in real conversation and in literature is when people not only use clichés but they use them incorrectly. I mean… give me a break. Give me a damn break. Use Google. If in doubt, Google that damn thing. As a matter of fact, if you are someone who relies heavily on clichés then you should check out this website. It has an extensive list of the most popular clichés. Enjoy.

Mathew Vaughn, an English film producer, was once quoted as saying, “You need cliches. Cliches are what people respond to.“I agree.

However, I have faith in humanity.

One day an elite group of grammar and language lovers will band together to form a fantastical cliché killing army. I will, undoubtedly, enlist myself in said army. You’ll write to me while I’m on my quest to vanquish people’s love of tired old phrases, won’t you?

My point is simple. Be raw. Be honest. Be intentional. And the cliché plague will never reach you.

 

***This post is part of a 31 Day Writing Challenge hosted by The Nester.