Hatrack River Writers Workshop: So I see that there are a lot of threads on "cliche" at the moment

This is topic So I see that there are a lot of threads on "cliche" at the moment in forum Open Discussions About Writing at Hatrack River Writers Workshop.

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Posted by I need a good user name (Member # 3812) on :

And it has me wondering about cliches and originality, especially in regards to this one specific question I have.

It may sound funny, but how do you know if a story idea is "valid?" Or how well would a story work if it uses elements that are practically cliche in one genre and use it in a different genre (or media, for that matter). I suppose it would unquestionably be considered original, but my question is specifically about how well would such ideas or concepts actually translate across the genre gap.

For example, I tend to use elements from anime in my written stories. I know that anime has a certain stigma attached to it - a lot of people won't touch anything that even has a hint of anime influence. Is this something I should change?

Posted by wbriggs (Member # 2267) on :

I love cliche, provided the writer knows it's cliche and is using the fact. I think editors don't because those using cliche usually don't use it well.

I wouldn't recognize anime influence if it bit me.

I get annoyed when someone says, I'd be wary of trying to sell VR stories, or stories with dolphins or American Indians or homeless people. However, they just might be right.

Posted by trousercuit (Member # 3235) on :

Starting a thread on cliches is so last week.
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What? Someone would have said it eventually.

Posted by pantros (Member # 3237) on :

A cliche can be good if it invokes a fond allusion.

A cliche is bad when its just another overrused bit.

Don't worry about your inspiration as long as you keep your story-world consistant with itself. And never talk about your stigmatized inspirations - people who don't know manga will not recognize the references, but they will stigmatize it for the connection you established.

Of course, once you are repeatedly published, reverse that. Your love of manga will then spread to some of the people who admire your work.

There are some cliches that are expected - the good guy gets the girl, etc and its harder to make the story fulfilling if you dont meet that expectation.

There are some cliches that are just cliches. Having the cop whose about to retire, show his picture of the boat he just bought an hour before he is killed in action. Just stupid cliche. Avoid this in all instances except parody.