We read about cliches a lot. Usually in reference to an overused phrase, like her heart raced or her stomach tied into knots. Sometimes in reference to an overused character, like the misunderstood teen or the dishonest car salesman. But less talked about is the cliched plot.
A writer can remedy cliched phrases and characters by switching the wording to something more original or adding depth and dimension to an otherwise predictable character. But what about a cliched plot? How do we fix that? I’m not going to lie. It’s not easy. That’s why cliched plots need spotting before we begin the first draft, and in order to spot them, we need eyes that are not our own.
For example:
After finishing my latest novel, I started toying around with future story ideas. A story about a writer kept popping into my head. Her story took shape in my mind and the accompanying excitement tagged along. I emailed my agent the idea. Her response? Cliche. Writers write what they know and we know all about writing. There are many a novel out there about a protagonist who writes and 95% of them elicit editor/agent eye-rolling. Why? Because the idea isn’t original. Not at all. And anytime a plot feels cliche, the bar’s set higher. For an editor or agent to take it seriously, the writing must be near perfection.
In hindsight, it seems obvious that this idea of mine was cliche, but at the time, the unfolding storyline and my accompanying excitement clouded the obvious. Had I not ran this idea by an objective party, I might have jumped right in, spent three, four, maybe six months writing the rough draft, then revising it, only to find out later that it’s an overdone storyline and nobody’s interested.
The good news is, you don’t need an agent to spot cliched plots. You just need somebody who reads a lot and isn’t afraid to shoot straight. Before laboring through the rough draft, write a back cover blurb and give it to somebody who knows books. Ask, “Does this sound familiar?” If they answer yes, then the idea is cliche. Don’t waste your time on it. Or, spend time brainstorming until the plot spins into something unique.
I know it’s hard to languish in a world of brainstorming, where ideas crash before takeoff. I know you just want to write already. But don’t hurry through this step. Don’t neglect this stage in the process. Settle for nothing less than a unique storyline with unique characters. One that makes your reader say, “Hmmm, this sounds interesting. This sounds different and refreshing. I’d really like to read something like this.” When you get that sort of response, then get writing!
Some overdone plots: unfaithful spouses and inheritance stories.
Funnily enough, I’ve done BOTH of these and didn’t realize they were cliche until after the fact. I entered the first one in the Genesis last year and all three judges mentioned the plot was overdone. Yikes! Not too long after, I read an agent’s blog who said she didn’t want to see another inheritance story cross her desk anytime soon. Double yikes!
Some overdone characters: the thirty-something woman who’s desperate to get married, the fire and brimstone preacher, the ambitious businesswoman out to prove herself
Interesting side note. I just finished reading Never the Bride, a Carol Award finalist, by Rene Gutteridge and Cherly McKay. The main character is a 34 year old woman desperately searching for her future groom. Not very original, is it? My thoughts exactly. Until God shows up as a cute man (yes, in the flesh) and she’s the only person who can see Him. Now that put an interesting twist on an otherwise cliched plot. Not to mention the book is laugh out loud funny and cry out loud touching (seriously, a MUST read).
Questions to Ponder: What overused characters and plots do you notice flying around the industry? Any tips or tricks when it comes to making our stories feel fresh?
