Hope everyone had a very Happy New Year!
Last Clichés:
Doom and Gloom—A very pessimistic outlook. This dates from the mid-20th century. [Eric Partridge suggested it may refer to fears of nuclear war] and is often used as an adjective, i.e.: “He’s a real doom-and-gloom man; he never smiles.”
Rule of Thumb—A rough method or measure, without precise scientific or mathematical basis. This term, probably referred to using one’s thumb as an approximate measuring device and has been around since the 17th century and made it into James Kelly’s collections of Scottish proverbs (1721): “No rule so good as rule of thumb, if it hit. But it seldom hits!” Some people have pointed to the “rule” proposed in 1782 by an English judge, Francis Buller, who proclaimed that men had the right to beat their wives provided that the stick used was no thicker than the husband’s thumb. Misinterpretation linked it to the cliché, which is about a century older and today is never used in this context.
Forewarned is forearmed—Advance knowledge enables advance preparation. The term originated as a Latin proverb, Praemonitus, praemunitus, which was adopted into English by the early 16th century. Two sources from c.1530 put it similarly: “He that is warned is half armed.” Shakespeare used a version in Henry VI, Part 3(4:1): “I will arm me, being thus forewarn’d.” It was soon extended to non-military applications, such as a hostess preparing for expected guests.
So, how many clichés did you find?
You must draw the line at never cheating the reader! Five things to ask yourself to make sure:
- Was justice done? 2.) Did the detective detect? 3.) Did it all make sense? 4.) Are the loose ends tied up? 5.) Did you care?
The crux of the matter is anything that takes the reader out of the story is Bad. Don’t interrupt the story flow. Don’t pack it in, and do your research, but don’t let it show.
Other don’ts in your writing:
Force the action, use too many adjectives or adverbs, over describe, or overwrite.
However, make sure you reveal character and advance the story. Also, to coin a phrase, show don’t tell.
My new book Enemy at Home is coming along. Comment on this blog, and you can read the first chapter.
Until, next time,
Keep Writing!
Julie
