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.”

  • I’m working… I promise. Happy opening day. One of my favorites.
  • For the past couple of years, I've been working on a second non-fiction book project. It's still a long way from being done, but today I finished the first draft. 64,917 words. Hopefully more to come soon. I'd appreciate your prayers. We're currently in the process of submitting it to publishers.
  • It’s been exactly one year today since The Five Masculine Instincts was released. I just wanted to say thanks again to so many of you who have not only purchased the book but shared it. It’s been an incredible year with so many u forgettable experiences I’ll never forget. But more than anything I’m grateful for readers. Reading a book takes time. It’s a gift to have people invest that time in the work you’ve created. I mean it when I say thank you.
  • Last year we turned a trash can into a R2-D2 Valentine’s Day box. This year Ashley gets the credit for life size Mando box. It’s getting out of control.
  • Big night. Their first symphony. And my first time buying sour patch kids at the symphony.
  • Snow day.
  • We saw a lot of ducks and only got the chance to shoot at a few, but another great day outdoors. Special thanks to @rwakie for a great day hunting.
  • Taco Tuesday. Yes, that is cheese sauce she is covered in. Who doesn’t like queso.
I’m working… I promise. Happy opening day. One of my favorites.
I’m working… I promise. Happy opening day. One of my favorites.
1 day ago
View on Instagram |
1/9
For the past couple of years, I've been working on a second non-fiction book project. It's still a long way from being done, but today I finished the first draft. 64,917 words. Hopefully more to come soon. I'd appreciate your prayers. We're currently in the process of submitting it to publishers.
For the past couple of years, I've been working on a second non-fiction book project. It's still a long way from being done, but today I finished the first draft. 64,917 words. Hopefully more to come soon. I'd appreciate your prayers. We're currently in the process of submitting it to publishers.
1 week ago
View on Instagram |
2/9
It’s been exactly one year today since The Five Masculine Instincts was released. I just wanted to say thanks again to so many of you who have not only purchased the book but shared it. It’s been an incredible year with so many u forgettable experiences I’ll never forget. But more than anything I’m grateful for readers. Reading a book takes time. It’s a gift to have people invest that time in the work you’ve created. I mean it when I say thank you.
It’s been exactly one year today since The Five Masculine Instincts was released. I just wanted to say thanks again to so many of you who have not only purchased the book but shared it. It’s been an incredible year with so many u forgettable experiences I’ll never forget. But more than anything I’m grateful for readers. Reading a book takes time. It’s a gift to have people invest that time in the work you’ve created. I mean it when I say thank you.
1 month ago
View on Instagram |
3/9
Last year we turned a trash can into a R2-D2 Valentine’s Day box. This year Ashley gets the credit for life size Mando box. It’s getting out of control.
Last year we turned a trash can into a R2-D2 Valentine’s Day box. This year Ashley gets the credit for life size Mando box. It’s getting out of control.
2 months ago
View on Instagram |
4/9
Big night. Their first symphony. And my first time buying sour patch kids at the symphony.
Big night. Their first symphony. And my first time buying sour patch kids at the symphony.
Big night. Their first symphony. And my first time buying sour patch kids at the symphony.
Big night. Their first symphony. And my first time buying sour patch kids at the symphony.
Big night. Their first symphony. And my first time buying sour patch kids at the symphony.
Big night. Their first symphony. And my first time buying sour patch kids at the symphony.
Big night. Their first symphony. And my first time buying sour patch kids at the symphony.
2 months ago
View on Instagram |
6/9
Snow day.
Snow day.
Snow day.
2 months ago
View on Instagram |
7/9
We saw a lot of ducks and only got the chance to shoot at a few, but another great day outdoors. Special thanks to @rwakie for a great day hunting.
We saw a lot of ducks and only got the chance to shoot at a few, but another great day outdoors. Special thanks to @rwakie for a great day hunting.
We saw a lot of ducks and only got the chance to shoot at a few, but another great day outdoors. Special thanks to @rwakie for a great day hunting.
We saw a lot of ducks and only got the chance to shoot at a few, but another great day outdoors. Special thanks to @rwakie for a great day hunting.
2 months ago
View on Instagram |
8/9
Taco Tuesday. Yes, that is cheese sauce she is covered in. Who doesn’t like queso.
Taco Tuesday. Yes, that is cheese sauce she is covered in. Who doesn’t like queso.
2 months ago
View on Instagram |
9/9

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