Here are some examples of clich�d metaphors and phrases:
� heart of gold
� busy as a bee
� chiseled features
� pearly white teeth
� eyes like pools of water
� eyes big as saucers
� brilliant light
� piercing eyes
There are many more. Think about it for a moment and jot down a few not listed.
In addition to clich�d metaphors, there are clich�s in plot, character and in setting. There�s a famous writing contest which uses the now hackneyed beginning: It was a dark and story night. The objective of this contest is to do the worst writing possible. Another beginning that has become clich� is �once upon a time�� Good for children�s stories and fairy tales but not recommended for �serious� fiction.
One plot device that has been overused is the mirror device. The author uses the character�s looking at him/herself in the mirror to illustrate to the reader the character�s physical description. Another is the �And it was all a dream� ending.
And speaking of characters, what character types have become clich�d? How about the big, bad truck driver? The fiery tempered red-haired woman. The rebellious teenage son/daughter of a preacher. The fat baker.
While we�re at it, what are some names of characters that have become clich�d? Cowboys named Cody. Surfers named Dirk. Fat women named Bertha. List a few of your own.
Your characters must have conflicts. What is the main thing that stands in your character�s way, and how will your character go about resolving the conflict? Generally, conflicts should be important, enough to carry an entire story. But then there are conflicts that really aren�t conflicts. Conflicts that turn out to be just misunderstandings. For instance, one that is overused is a spouse suspects his/her partner of having an affair. The one thought to have an affair has secret meetings and phone calls. And just as the �victim� spouse comes to term with it, he/she finds out that all the other was doing was planning a surprise party. Or how about this: A woman is home alone at night when she hears bumping and banging in the house. Just as she arms herself with a baseball bat, she discovers it was only the cat.
I hope this has sparked some ideas, because you�re going to use these ideas for this exercise. For this exercise, you�re going to do the worst writing you possibly can. Use as many clich�s and devices you can think of. The story doesn�t have to be long, but it must have a beginning, middle, and ending. Use any of the examples already listed as well as any that you can think of. The basic plot and situation are of your choosing. As in all fiction, your main character must have a conflict. Have fun with it. Be as ridiculous or outrageous as you�d like.
Happy writing!
