7 Cliche Tropes to Avoid in Your Fiction Writing ...

When writing fiction, it is important to avoid cliches in order to create an engaging and unique story. One of the most common cliches in fiction writing is the “it was all a dream” trope. This trope is often used when the writer is stuck in a plot point and needs an easy way out. Unfortunately, this trope can be extremely frustrating for readers, as they have invested time and energy into the story only to have it be revealed as a dream in the end.

In order to create a more satisfying story, writers should avoid this trope altogether and instead focus on creative solutions to their plot problems. This can involve using elements of suspense, surprise, and unexpected plot twists to keep readers engaged. For example, if a character is being chased by a monster, the writer could create a clever plan to save them instead of simply having it be a dream in the end.

Additionally, writers should avoid using cliches in general, as cliches can be seen as lazy writing and can make the story feel unoriginal and dull. Instead, writers should strive to create unique and interesting characters, settings, and plot lines to make their story stand out.

When it comes to writing fiction, it is important to avoid common cliches such as love at first sight. While it may seem romantic for two characters to meet and fall in love within a few hours, it is not realistic. It is far more likely that two people will need more time to develop a deep connection.

When writing a love story, it is important to show the characters meeting, and then jump ahead in time to when they have had a chance to get to know each other. This will make the story more believable and will help the reader to become more invested in the characters.

In addition to avoiding cliches, it is important to consider the genre of the story. For example, a romance novel should focus on developing the relationship between two characters, while a thriller should focus more on suspense and action. It is also important to consider the target audience of the story. For example, a story aimed at young adults should be written differently than one aimed at adults.

As fiction writers, we want to stand out from the crowd. But often, we find ourselves unintentionally using cliches that have been done time and time again. One of the most common cliches is the "Bad Guy" monologue, where the antagonist explains their entire evil plan to the protagonist. This trope has been used in countless films, books, and television shows, and it can be seen as a lazy way of writing.

But why is it so important to avoid this trope? Firstly, it's not realistic. In real life, no one would be naive enough to ruin their plan by busting into a monologue. Secondly, it can be seen as a lazy way of writing, as it's been done so many times before. Finally, it can make the story feel predictable and formulaic.

Horror stories are a popular genre of fiction, but they can easily become cliche if the writer isn’t careful. Cliche tropes like a car breaking down, a key that won’t fit into a lock, or a dark and stormy night are all overused and predictable. It’s important for writers of horror fiction to think outside of the box and come up with more creative and unexpected ways to create suspense and terror.

A great way to avoid cliches in horror writing is to focus on the characters and their emotions. Instead of relying on cliched situations, explore the characters’ reactions to the events they experience. By delving into the characters’ feelings of fear and dread, writers can create a more realistic and effective sense of horror.

Writers should also avoid relying too heavily on jump scares. While jump scares can be effective in creating a moment of shock, they can quickly become predictable and tiresome. Instead, focus on building tension and suspense throughout the story. Suspense can be created through a variety of ways, such as foreshadowing, misdirection, and the use of sound and visuals.

Amnesia is a common plot device seen in many forms of fiction, from soap operas to Full House. It is often used to create dramatic tension and suspense, as well as to give the protagonist a chance to start over with a clean slate.

Amnesia is typically used to make the protagonist forget their past life, creating a new set of problems and challenges for them to face. It also allows the writer to explore the protagonist’s character in a new light, as they try and make sense of their new life.

However, this plot device can often be overused and can become cliche. To avoid this, writers should be creative and use the amnesia trope to create a unique and interesting story. Instead of making the protagonist forget their perfect life, the writer can put them in a situation where their perfect life falls apart. This can make for a more compelling story and give the protagonist more interesting obstacles to overcome.

When writing fiction, it is important to avoid cliches and stereotypical characters. Stereotypes can be limiting and can make characters seem one-dimensional and uninteresting. By avoiding cliche characters, you can create a more unpredictable and exciting story that will draw readers in.

One way to avoid stereotypical characters is to be mindful of physical descriptions. For example, if you have a nerdy character, don't give them glasses and braces. Instead, find other ways to make the character stand out. You could give them a unique hobby, an interesting background, or an unexpected personality trait.

It is also important to avoid cliche plot points and tropes. For example, if you are writing a romance, don't make it a story of a couple overcoming insurmountable odds to be together. Instead, find a unique way for the couple to meet or a creative conflict for them to overcome.

In addition, be mindful of dialogue. Cliché dialogue can make characters seem flat and uninteresting. Instead, give characters distinct voices and unique ways of expressing themselves.