Episode 17

Chase Replogle

Your Clichés Are More Dangerous Than You Think

Every writer knows to avoid cliché, but we still can't help ourselves. What do they suggest about our writing? They are more dangerous than you might expect.
Every writer knows to avoid cliché, but we still can't help ourselves. What do they suggest about our writing? They are more dangerous than you might expect.
00:00 22:50

Show Notes:17. Chase Replogle — Your Clichés Are More Dangerous Than You Think

Every writer knows to avoid cliché, but we still can’t help ourselves. Like garden weeds, we pluck them only to find them growing again the next day. Good writers keep weeding, but why do cliches come so naturally? What do they suggest about our writing? They are more dangerous than you might expect.

Sol Stein, in his highly recommended Stein on Writing, explains:

“A cliché is a hackneyed phrase — stale, trite, banal, commonplace, corny, dull, musty, redundant, repetitious, tedious, threadbare, timeworn, tired, tiresome, worn-out, boring. If you prefer to focus on just one definition, it should be ‘tired from over use.’ Clichés weaken your message, having little or no effect on the reader.”

Stein continues:

“Words have power. Words strung together in clichés have lost some or all of their power. Clichés are a sign of a tired mind that settles for a well-worn rut instead of climbing to exciting new heights. Your job as a writer is to energize people, not put them to sleep.”

  • Two days in Rouen with a day trip to Honfleur.
  • Best hatchling I’ve ever seen in Peter and the wolf.
  • It doesn’t get better than catching smallmouth with Will on the river. And he definitely out fished me today.
  • For the last year this kid has trained, often five nights a week. I told him I would never make him, but if he wanted, I would find a way to get him there. His hard work paid off. He had to compete at a higher belt level and still won his three matches to take first in the bracket. Some many great lessons. @dynastyjiujitsu
  • Just working on a little Bible project.
  • We got it in before the snow comes. Fun day.
  • Happy birthday to the cutest 8 year old I know.
  • Collecting shells and cracking coconuts.
  • Silver Dollar City 2024
Two days in Rouen with a day trip to Honfleur.
Two days in Rouen with a day trip to Honfleur.
Two days in Rouen with a day trip to Honfleur.
Two days in Rouen with a day trip to Honfleur.
Two days in Rouen with a day trip to Honfleur.
Two days in Rouen with a day trip to Honfleur.
Two days in Rouen with a day trip to Honfleur.
1 day ago
View on Instagram |
1/10
Best hatchling I’ve ever seen in Peter and the wolf.
Best hatchling I’ve ever seen in Peter and the wolf.
Best hatchling I’ve ever seen in Peter and the wolf.
Best hatchling I’ve ever seen in Peter and the wolf.
4 days ago
View on Instagram |
2/10
It doesn’t get better than catching smallmouth with Will on the river. And he definitely out fished me today.
It doesn’t get better than catching smallmouth with Will on the river. And he definitely out fished me today.
It doesn’t get better than catching smallmouth with Will on the river. And he definitely out fished me today.
4 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
3/10
For the last year this kid has trained, often five nights a week. I told him I would never make him, but if he wanted, I would find a way to get him there. His hard work paid off. He had to compete at a higher belt level and still won his three matches to take first in the bracket. Some many great lessons. @dynastyjiujitsu
For the last year this kid has trained, often five nights a week. I told him I would never make him, but if he wanted, I would find a way to get him there. His hard work paid off. He had to compete at a higher belt level and still won his three matches to take first in the bracket. Some many great lessons. @dynastyjiujitsu
2 months ago
View on Instagram |
4/10
Just working on a little Bible project.
Just working on a little Bible project.
2 months ago
View on Instagram |
5/10
We got it in before the snow comes. Fun day.
We got it in before the snow comes. Fun day.
We got it in before the snow comes. Fun day.
3 months ago
View on Instagram |
7/10
Happy birthday to the cutest 8 year old I know.
Happy birthday to the cutest 8 year old I know.
Happy birthday to the cutest 8 year old I know.
3 months ago
View on Instagram |
8/10
Collecting shells and cracking coconuts.
5 months ago
View on Instagram |
9/10
Silver Dollar City 2024
Silver Dollar City 2024
Silver Dollar City 2024
5 months ago
View on Instagram |
10/10

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