  Short Stories
This week: Edited by: Mavis Moog  
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Cliché
I offer a warm welcome to you all.
In this day and age of high fashion and low art, it is more important than ever, that cliché in our writing, is avoided at all costs. The use of pat phrases and well-worn expression is a carbuncle on the face of the literary landscape. Clichéd writing bores me to tears.
How often have you been pulled up short by a phrase, in someone else's writing, that you could finish for yourself? When you read the words, "It all boils..." you can be sure that, "...down to," is hot on their heels. This is an acid test for the cliché. If the phrase has a predictable conclusion, it is probably hackneyed.
It is always better to take the less travelled road, than to take the path of least resistance. Now, I realise that I am probably preaching to the choir. Every one knows, on Writing.com, that prose should be as fresh as a daisy, yet many of us have been guilty from time to time.
Sometimes, even titles are examples of this heinous crime. Indeed, the cliché is often used ironically. It is when laziness lies behind the use of platitude that I am most likely to see red.
It is not just turn of phrase which is rendered dull as ditch water by over indulgence in cliché. Plots and characters can also fall into the category of the predictable stereotype. These examples spring to mind.
 Beautiful princesses always have an modestly pretty attendant who will end up with the side-kick of the heroic prince.
Eight-year old children are always the most technically superb computer hackers.
A facial scar is enough to make a character either insane or bent on revenge.
Anyone awaking from a nightmare always sits bolt upright and screams.
In the interest of balance, I quote you some lines from Wikipedia on the subject; "... there can also be advantages to using clichés. The use of a cliché that is well known to the audience can help keep the storytelling on a fast pace without as much explanation and elaboration. They can also help in connecting with the audience by showing them something with which they are familiar or can relate to." So next time your work is criticised for tired expression, remember this spirited defence of the cliché. |
The stories chosen this month are examples of work that is devoid of hakneyed phrases and plots. If you're looking for surprise endings and fresh prose, look no further.
| |  | Einstein's Dream (E)
a short story about religious fanatics, physics, and the future of the Universe
#978516 by MJK |
| |  | Invalid Item
This item number is not valid.
#995910 by Not Available. |
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Thank you for all your kind comments.
jessiegirl goes to the top of the class with this charming and perceptive comment, "Great newsletter, Mavis! I really enjoyed this edition of the Short Stories newsletter. This was a terrific issue! Thanks for sharing, and good luck with the next one!
Jessie "
I also thank dusktildawn for her encouragement, "This month's newsletter was extremely informative and I thank you! I read your newsletter last month and although I did not comment, it was becuase I could think of nothing more to add than what comments you had already received. In my opinion, plot is essential to any story, be it subtle or complex. Again, just my opinion here, but I believe it is what keeps the reader "turning the pages. I especially liked the way you broke it down into the seven categories. Again, a very helpful tool to use. Many thanks again!"
spiral kinetochore "Thanks for all the help on plots... I didn't actually know there was a list of its types... they will surely be useful for my future short story writings."
concrete_angel "This is an awesome newsletter. It was very helpful and you can be sure I'll be looking back on it and thinking about it as I write. Thanks. "
windac"Welcome to the editorial staff of writing.com Ms. Mavis! May I say, you're doing a terrific job.
I've always been in awe of those who make it look easy to spin a tale. After only a handfull of attempts in my own port, I know now just how difficult it is to pull off.
Keep 'em coming Mavis!" - I will try to oblige, thank you for your kind words. MM
Your Notes on Cliché
billwilcox had this to offer, "Worse cliché I ever read . . . "it was a dark and stormy night..." " - Oh I know what you mean, Bill. It makes my blood run cold when I see that one! - MM.
Allwrite "I find most cliche's in a short story are in the plot. It's always something like a guy is lost in the Yukon and has to keep warm (To Build a Fire) or along those lines. Don't quote me* on this though, seeing as most of my short stories wind up in my Recycling Bin. I read them a lot though. And good job on the newsletter too! - *permission to quote was given - MM
Vivian  "He could care less. (Not only is this a cliché, but it's even incorrect - what most people mean when they use this phrase is really "he couldn't care less.")" You're right, it's like, cheap at half the price - it would be wouldn't it? - MM
Next month's question is, "How do you avoid Pleonasm?"
The subject of my next newsletter will be, "Making Every Word Count". .
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Short Stories: September 14, 2005 Issue [#605]
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