Clichés in Creative Writing: When and How to Use Them

Every writer, whether a seasoned professional or a budding talent, has encountered the concept of clichés. These overused tropes can either serve as a quick shorthand to convey complex ideas or, if not used judiciously, can get in the way of meaningful literary expression. This article explores the nuances of using clichés effectively, with a focus on their role in descriptive writing and storytelling.

What Are Clichés?

A cliché, in the context of fiction, is anything universally familiar that no longer requires much verbal description. For example, a smoke and whiskey voice evokes a certain character type without needing further elaboration. However, while clichés can be useful in crafting quick imagery, they can also be overused, becoming a crutch for authors looking to convey essential information.

When to Use Clichés

Clichés are particularly useful in very short forms such as flash fiction, where the primary goal is to convey the story itself rather than the setting and characters through extensive description. For instance, you might describe a wizard as Gandalf and focus on the interesting actions and decisions he makes, rather than elaborating on his physical appearance. This allows the reader to immediately grasp the essence of the character and dive into the narrative.

Examples of Clichés in Writing

Howling Wind, Cloudless Sky, and Other Tropes

A common list of clichés might include howling wind, cloudless sky, and fastest gun in the West. While these tropes are effective shorthand, they can be quickly forgotten by readers, who often scan over them without much engagement. To make these clichés more effective, consider using them in conjunction with more dynamic descriptions. For example, a howling wind could be described as one that tears the gutters off the house, making it more memorable and evocative.

Dealing with Offensive Clichés

Some clichés, such as big as a house or dishwater blonde, can be problematic and offensive. Big as a house is not only outdated but also untruthful, given that no human can truly be that size. Similarly, comparing someone to food, as in dishwater blonde, can be offensive to certain cultural groups. These clichés not only harm the narrative but also alienate readers.

Instead of using these clichés, consider more nuanced and evocative descriptions. For instance, rather than saying a character’s skin is chocolate skin, you might describe it as the color of rich earth overturned for the first time in spring. This not only paints a vivid picture but also adds depth and authenticity to the character.

Writing with Color and Voice

Descriptive writing often benefits from an engaging and unique voice. Varying your descriptions can prevent the narrative from becoming monotonous and clichéd. For example, instead of relying on clichés, you might write, “His skin was the color of rich earth overturned for the first time in spring.” This not only adds depth but also engages the reader's imagination.

Colloquialisms and Their Role

Colloquialisms, or informal language, are an integral part of everyday speech and can be used to add authenticity to your writing. For example, a character might say, "He got off his bike, this big biker dude in a denim jacket and leather chaps, took off his glasses, grinned shyly, and in a little-boy voice said, 'Hi, I’m Dr. Thomas Green.'” This adds a layer of authenticity and character depth that a more formal description might lack.

Conclusion

Clichés can be a useful tool in creative writing, but they should be used with caution. While they can save time and effort by conveying familiar ideas, they can also become tiresome and fail to engage readers. By using clichés judiciously and complementing them with more vivid and authentic descriptions, you can create a memorable and engaging narrative. Remember, the goal is to convey meaningful and impactful descriptions that draw readers into the story.