On Embracing Tropes and Cliche

Hey, writer! We all struggle with the enigmatic balance between the trite and the inventive—where does one draw the line? When you're just starting out as a novelist or a storyteller, the world of writing can feel like an intimidating maze. Today, we'll navigate this conundrum: How can familiar tropes serve as useful tools, and how do you sidestep the pitfalls of clichés? Grab your coffee or tea; this is going to be enlightening.

The Virtue of Tropes

First off, let's demystify this notion: Tropes are not your enemy. I know, I know. There's so much talk about "breaking the mold," but listen. Tropes became tropes for a reason—they resonate with readers. When we read about the ‘reluctant hero’ or the ‘wise old mentor,’ something stirs within us. These are archetypes deeply rooted in our collective unconscious.

For a beginning writer, using such tropes can offer a sturdy scaffolding. There's comfort in the familiar, not just for the reader but for the writer as well. Take a cue from successful formulas. Observe how week known story structure unfolds in a multitude of stories, or how the 'misunderstood villain' adds complexity to narratives. They are templates that have withstood the test of time.

What to do when we want to avoid tropes and cliches?

Here's where the cautionary tale begins. A cliché is a trope gone stale, a phrase or idea overused to the point of meaninglessness. When your heroine gazes into the mirror pondering her “plain brown eyes,” you risk rolling those eyes instead of engrossing the reader.

Techniques to Avoid Clichés

1. Mindful Repurposing: If you're compelled to use a familiar idea, give it your unique twist. Say you want to employ the 'rags-to-riches' trope. How about making the riches not material wealth, but wisdom or self-awareness?
2. Double Down on Specifics: Instead of saying, "He was as fast as a cheetah," offer unique imagery that portrays the same idea. For instance, "He moved with the uncanny speed, dodging obstacles as if calculating each step in a complex dance."
3. Read, Read, Read: The best way to identify a cliché is to be widely read. The more you read, the more you'll recognize recurring patterns and be able to avoid them.
4. Seek Feedback: As a new writer, you won't catch all the clichés yourself. Sometimes they're like invisible ink, obvious only to others. Get your work critiqued by trusted mentors, family, or writing groups. And hey, remember to be a partner in the process.

Call to Craftsmanship

Don't shy away from using common tropes as a steppingstone. But as you trek through the foliage of storytelling, leave the baggage of clichés behind. Let your story stand on the shoulders of giants but let its gaze be uniquely its own. Your writing will be better for it. And you'll be a better writer, from your first line to your cliché-free climax.

Now, go carve your niche in the literary landscape!

Remember, the only limits on your creativity are the ones you impose on yourself.