Cliché- a phrase or opinion (or in this case- plot) that is overused and lacks original idea/ thought.

If you want to write a cliche novel- go ahead. Be my guest. I probably won't read it though. However, a lot of people try and avoid clichés at all costs because who wouldn't want to write a cool, original book?

Basically to avoid clichés, the easiest thing you can do is look at your book plan and think of if you've read books that are very similar. If you have, you're either plagiarising or writing a cliché. Writing a high school romance story between a nerd (who's actually really pretty) and a jock? You're writing a cliché. Why? It's been done a hundred times before which is why it's classified as cliché in the first place.

A cliché plot is easy to fall into- especially if you're writing in Romance, Teen Fiction or Fanfiction. I mean what's the 'bad boy' going to steal next?

If you're reading this with a smug grin because you know that your idea isn't cliché- you are not exempt from writing in a cliché manner! Sorry.

Clichés are so common in writing and I'm talking words or phrases that are so overused and now have no real impact. Let me list some:

* sparks ignited

* Orbs (urgh please don't use this word)

* Fiery passion

* My heart was in my mouth

* My pulse was racing

* Sharp as a knife

* Cold as ice

* Pale as a ghost

* Our tongues battled for dominance (just stop with this one)

If you think your story might be cliché - it probably is. To stay away from clichés, look to my chapter about coming up with 'Original Ideas' which may help you. At the end of the day, there are still people reading clichés so if you do so happen to fall into them, all is not lost.