How To Write A Wattpad Story [A Guide To Becoming A Better Author]

Lesson 3: Clichés

Lesson 3: Clichés

I'm sure you're familiar with the term 'cliché' which means something (an idea, a sentence, etc) that is overused. 

ROMANCE/TEEN FICTION: 

Finding romances with a twist these days is hard because there aren't enough people willing to think of something different. I mean, there are people who really do try, but most of them give up or don't use their imagination whatsoever. 

All over the What's Hot List, for example, you'll notice a ton of stories about the bad boy and the goody goody who fall in love. Personally, they annoy the hell out of me. The Teen Fiction genre isn't only about good girls, bad boys, love, players, etc. Teen Fiction is also about teens going through tough situations, such as depression, bullying and more. I hate how the whole genre has changed, although some romance based Teen Fiction stories can be very well written. 

To make things interesting in a teen fiction novel or any novel, you have to make intriguing, unexpected events occur. For example, let's say a girl is having a moonlight stroll with her boyfriend in a romantic setting. Well, to add a twist, you could make him try to murder her. That would be unexpected right? But, if you make something like that happen, you have to put in some background in order for it to work. 

WEREWOLF/VAMPIRE:

First off, if you're writing a werewolf story, please do not write another story about finding his or her 'mate.'

It. Is. So. Freaking. Annoying.

Why?

Because about a million other people are writing the same thing as you. Okay, maybe they changed the character's names. No, seriously. Just don't.

Why can't you write a werewolf story where the werewolf has to go on a quest? Maybe it's searching for his or her great aunt's sapphire jewel hidden in the caves of Sildervia to heal the sick.

I mean, does it have to be a hormonal guy/girl/werewolf that's looking for it's mate? I don't think so. And who says it has to go to high school? Why can't it live in the wilderness, hidden from all civilization? Maybe the werewolf breed is in hiding because the FBI is tracking them down to wipe out the werewolf population?

Anything! And the same goes for vampire stories.

MYSTERY/HORROR:

*Running away from whatever they're running away from. Dear author, running doesn't work. We all know the murderer's going to be around the corner.

*Walking alone at night or walking around in a creepy place. Okay, first off, who the hell goes walking in a spooky place dark at night? NOBODY. I sure as hell wouldn't. I mean, just because all your friends got killed by the masked murderer doesn't mean you'll be. *Note the sarcasm.*

*Girl walks into an abandoned house to investigate a strange noise. Usually this girl is a big breasted, stupid blonde (no offence to blondes). Why? Because she screams, "Anybody there?" Then she walks into the room and gets raped by some psycho. Didn't see that one coming.

*If you want to surprise your readers or add a little twist, this is an example of what you shouldn't do: A girl is about to go into a haunted house and all her friends call her an idiot but she still goes in anyway. Then, a bunch of scary events happen to her. THAT is cliché. The reader won't expect it if the character does not experience any spooky events, right? They'll actually be somewhat surprised. 

FANTASY:

*The chosen one. This is a common one. Please avoid this at all costs. Keep your fantasies of being the 'chosen one' out of your novels.

*The wizard. Want your character to have a mentor? Fine. But do not invite a friendly, old wizard into your story to fix everything with a flick of his wand.

*Magic. Please put a limit of how much magical ability your main character has. Why? Because if your main character has so much power, why can't they fix their problems with a snap of their fingers?

*Learning to fight. If your main character has training and learns all these super cool moves, it's kind of obvious he's going to whoop some asses. But what will happen if he has no experience with weapons at all? Then what will his destiny be?

*Discovering hidden family truths. The lines, "It was kept from you to protect you," or "You cannot kill me, I am your father" is so overused. What if your main character knew his background but his enemy didn't?

**

If you ever find a book that is cliche but has epic twists and turns, find some time to examine the author's writing. 

Things To Look For:

*Does she/he leave cliffhangers that make you want to click on the next chapter automatically? Read the paragraphs before the cliffhanger and look for how the author builds the suspense. 

*Dialogue. Is it realistic, humourous and/or interesting? All good books have intriguing dialogue, so look for what captures your attention. 

Example: "You've been inside the Twisted Forest?" Her eyes widened and her hands trembled as she slowly took off her glasses. 

Did that sentence capture your attention? Did you want to read what happens next?

*Surprising events. What kind of intriguing events does the author throw in?

Example: Is your main character going to a banana eating contest?

Or maybe joining the Clown Parade?

Or maybe, just maybe, does your main character join the 'Annual Tomato Throwing Fairy Competition?' 

Think of some weird, wacky events that your character could go to. Think outside the box!

A Technique You Can Use: 

1. Get a cliche plot. [The one I will be using for this example is: girl finds mysterious note that has to do with a murder.]  

2. Think simple. Before making any drastic changes to your idea, think of a small change. Maybe turn the note into a different piece of evidence, such as a spray paint can.

3. Okay, now what do we do with this paint can? Now is your chance to think outrageously. Maybe this spray can can be placed at a crime scene. Where can this crime scene be located? Let's make it a high school.

Let's Review:

-The mysterious note is now a paint can.

-It is placed at a crime scene which is located at a high school. 

4. What has been done with this paint can? Think. Maybe someone wrote on the walls (vandalised). What could they have written? Let's make it 'BEWARE SEPTEMBER SECOND.' 

5. Now let's get this paint can sent for DNA testing. (Keep in mind that DNA testing can take up to two weeks.) 

I'm going to leave it there. 

The main idea (girl finds mysterious note that has to do with a murder) has been changed enough to get you to think creatively and ask yourself questions.

Was the paint can left at the crime scene on purpose or was it an accident?

Who was the person that did it?

Why did they do it? 

Did any fingerprints appear on the can when taken in for DNA testing? 

If you wanted to use this idea, you now have enough information to start a story. 

[A special thank you to @ChandaBynum for giving me some suggestions and advice.]