Killing clichés

One rule writers learn early is to kill clichés. To prove the point, I will define my terms with a tired trope of the copywriter: cli·ché  /klēˈSHā/ Noun: A phrase or opinion that is overused and betrays a lack of original thought. A very predictable or unoriginal thing or person. If anyone asks why writers should eliminate clichés from their work, the answer is usually brief, to the point, and wrong:...

Primary – January 24

On this date in 1848, gold was discovered at John Sutter’s mill in California, launching the “Gold Rush” in 1849. What do you think would make a lot of people move a long way today, and why would they do it?

Literary – January 23

Marie-Henri Beyle, better known among his scores of pen names as Stendahl, was born on this date in 1783. The first practitioner of realism in fiction, he was also a voracious plagiarist. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist’s most loyal friend discovers your protag cheating.

Journaling + Fiction – January 23

“Those who let things happen usually lose to those who make things happen.”Dave Weinbaum Journal prompt: Spend at least 20 minutes writing about an issue important to you that you’re letting happen rather than making happen. Fiction writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist’s passive response to an opportunity lets it slip away.

Big Questions – January 23

Are you experienced? Journaling prompt: Spend 15-20 minutes writing your answer in the spirit of exploring yourself and the world around you. If you can answer with a simple “yes” or “no,” explain the sources or implications of your response. Fiction writing prompt: Write a scene that forces a character in your story to answer the question, or spend 15-20 minutes answering the question in the voice of a character...

Romance – January 23

Edouard Manet was born on this date in 1832. Writing prompt: Write the scene portrayed in his 1862-3 painting Le déjeuner sur l’herbe in your protagonist’s voice.

Mystery – January 23

“A paperclip can be a wondrous thing.”- MacGyver, as portrayed by Richard Dean Anderson, born this date in 1950. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist must improvise an escape using only what s/he normally carries in her/his pockets.

SciFi/Fantasy – January 23

“I’ve seen things you people wouldn’t believe. Attack ships on fire off the shoulder of Orion. I watched C-beams glitter in the dark near the Tannhauser gate. All those moments will be lost in time . . . like tears in rain. . . . Time to die.” – Rutger Hauer, born this date in 1944. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your antagonist proves to be as — if not more — human...