Recognizing Repetitive Patterns in Your Writing: Strategies to Identify and Eliminate Your Own Writing Clichés
In the world of literature, it's not uncommon for writers to find themselves revisiting familiar themes, characters, and plots in their subsequent books. This phenomenon, often referred to as writing clichés, can occur subconsciously, stemming from deep-rooted truths within the writer.
For instance, characters who are always smarmy, white-collar, have a beloved pet, or are orphans, can become recurring archetypes in a writer's work. These patterns, while potentially indicative of a unique voice, can also become blind spots if left unchecked.
Taking a step back to challenge oneself and reflect on the similarities among characters can help in breaking the mold and taking a fresh look at even familiar themes. Self-reflection is key in identifying repeating elements and deciding whether to embrace or subvert them.
Authors like Friedrich Nietzsche and Mathieu Larnaudie are prime examples of this. Nietzsche consistently revisits themes such as criticism of Christian morality, metaphysics, and the concept of Dionysos from his early to late works. Similarly, Larnaudie’s novels Strangulation and Trash Vortex share recurring motifs like apocalyptic fears, political and economic power, and mythic-symbolic elements, creating a thematic continuity across his works.
Noticing your patterns and questioning them can help you evolve as a writer and keep your stories feeling fresh and authentic. After all, each person might only have one story to tell, and they keep telling it in different ways. The first book is often the product of a writer's deepest self, but it's important to remember that after that, writers can write anything, according to the character in the movie "Last Night."
Becoming aware of your personal writing clichés can help you keep evolving. Writers should pour out everything they've got into the book they're writing, as who knows if they'll get the chance to write another. It's a reminder to make each story count and to keep pushing boundaries.
The movie "Last Night" (2010), produced by Miramax, contains a line about the writing process that resonates with many: the first book is lived with all one's life and comes out on its own. It's a testament to the importance of putting one's heart and soul into the writing process, and to never shy away from exploring new ideas and perspectives.
In conclusion, while writing clichés might be part of what makes a writer's voice unique, they can also become blind spots. By recognising and challenging these patterns, writers can continue to grow, evolve, and tell their stories in fresh and authentic ways.
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