5 Clichés to avoid when writing romance.

Cliché's can be difficult to avoid, especially when first starting out. A cliché is defined as a phrase or opinion that is overused and betrays a lack of original thought. This covers a wide range of things including common phrases, tired plot lines, and predictable actions. The specifics of these become more detailed when broken down into genre. Clichés are as such because originally they were unique, well received, and eventually, duplicated. We have heard the same words used and same stories so many times, it's easy to naturally write them without realizing it. The list for common phrases is long, (ex: sleeping like a baby, right as rain, cute as a button, etc.). When you recognize one in your writing, because you will, find a way to say what you are trying to say in your own unique voice. The following 5 clichés are specific to romance novels, though should prove useful in other genres as well.

1. Using a mirror to deliver a character description. Every time I see this it frustrates me. It reads as unexperienced and lazy. There are so many ways to tell your readers about their appearance. Whenever you mention the hair, eye color, or body shape during normal activities, just subtly slip in the details.

Ex: 'My brown hair smacks my face as the wind roars in my ears."

Or something like that... You get the idea.

2. The heroin is a barely legal virgin. I am so over this. The story better be fantastic or the fact that she's a virginal teenager needs to be vital to the plot. If you feel it's absolutely necessary for the heroin to be that age specifically, does she HAVE to be a virgin? Did you decide this simply because you want her love interest to "deflower' her? On the flipside, if you need her to be virginal, why does she have to be on that line of adulthood? Is your only reason for choosing that age because you want to show her youth/innocence ? If you can do without, take it out!

3. "You are MINE!". This is another one that makes me want to pull my hair out. I don't have a problem with it being said once or twice, but saying it over and over in the same novel is exhausting for me. It begins to feel more like a toddler throwing a tantrum than an act of possession. If you can't resist putting this in your story, be wary of excess.

4. Instant Love. I'm not referring to instant lust here. I'm talking about being a quarter of the way through the book, and the characters are already madly in love. Barf. Obsession maybe, but not love. If you think the "I love you" lines might come too soon in your novel, I would seriously consider putting it later in the story. It may require some extensive editing, but ultimately, the book will benefit and your readers are sure to appreciate it.

5. The heroin is oblivious to her beauty. I have read some variation of this six million times. Every guy fawns over her and she is constantly getting hit on, yet she thinks she is a hideous troll. Not that she has to be a conceited bitch, but I would rather read that than the former. It is possible to know you're attractive and remain humble. If your striving for insecurity make it about something she has a reason to be self-conscious about.

Everything seems to have already been done and said by those before us, the trick is finding a way to make it fresh and original. Change clichés when you catch them, and read within your genre to learn what has been overplayed.

* Was this post helpful? What would you add to the list? Happy writing and thank you for visiting!