Do you feel like you're caught between a rock and a hard place when it comes to your writing? Are you looking for a way to write outside the box? Are the editors as mean as snakes when it comes to their rejections? Learn to recognize overworked cliches…and soon you'll be whistling a new tune!
So what qualifies as a cliché? Dictionary.com says a cliche is:
- a trite, stereotyped expression; a sentence or phrase, usually expressing a popular or common thought or idea, that has lost originality, ingenuity, and impact by long overuse, as sadder but wiser, or strong as an ox.
- a trite or hackneyed plot, character development, use of color, musical expression, etc.
- anything that has become trite or commonplace through overuse.
Okay, I'm going to be blunt here: Writing in clichés (also called dimwitticisms) is the lazy-man's way to write. After all, it's easier to use clichés than to look for a more accurate, more vigorous word or description. Kinda like trying to bolster weak, wimpy verbs by adding adverbs instead of taking the time to find a powerful verb to deliver the punch you're looking for. Be sure to check out my blog entry, Don't Wimp Out on Good Writing. (image: )
Of course, sometimes we purposely use clichés for titles or we place emphasis on the cliché itself through a play on words:
- God Uses Cracked Pots, Patsy Clairmont
- Hand Over the Chocolate and No One Will Get Hurt, Karen Linamen
- The Grass is Always Greener Over the Septic Tank, Erma Bombeck
So, do your passages contain bright wit or dim-witticism? Think you can improve common sayings? Participate in this little practice exercise and you could win a free book! Simply come up with an alternative to your choice of the following overworked phrases and post them in a comment below (include as many as you want for more chances to win). My unbiased family will select the best entry and the winner will win his or her choice of one of my books. Ready to show your stuff? I can't wait to see what you can do with these:
a bad penny
a beehive of activity
like a big weight had been lifted off my shoulders
flat as a pancake
mean as a snake
like beating a dead horse
hard as a rock
in the wrong place at the wrong time
jumping with joy
So, what are you waiting for? Let's have some fun. Show us your best stuff–and you could win! 
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Kudos to…
- Cheryl Barker (KS) for another card with Blue Mountain Arts! "For My Amazing Mom" will be released later this month in time for Mother's Day. Congratulations, Cheryl! Hey, wouldn't it be great to give your mom a card written by one of your friends?
- Andrea Merrell (SC) is now a regular writer with Christian Devotions and her entries will be posted at least every other week. Way to go, Andrea!
- Terri Kelly (NC) also has another devotional posted today at Christian Devotions. Congrats, Terri! And Terri now has her own blog targeting educators, homeschoolers, writers, mothers, and women. Be sure to check it out.
- Jo Rae Johnson (SC) is now a Thomas Nelson blogger. Check out her first book review here. Kudos, Jo Rae!
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Another Give-Away!
Cheryl Barker is running a Valentine's Day give-away at her blog. Hop on over and leave a message for the February 1 blog entry and you could win movie tickets for two! But you've got to act fast–the deadline is Wednesday, February 11.
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As we face this new week, let's focus on this life-changing scripture from Corinthians:
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
1 Corinthians 10:31
I pray God's blessing on the work of your hands and your hearts,
Vonda
