Thread:RubyTheMaster/@comment-4750363-20130605200748/@comment-4750363-20130611173008

Clichés are far from being something to avoid.

If they're done correctly, they can add a lot of substance to a story. But of course, it is much easier said than done!

I personally find it very hard to know if I did clichés correctly. And I'm also sure I have inadvertently used some.

Having inspiration isn't something to happen out of the blue, one usually has to explore around the world, the internet, other works, whatever, to find ideas and material that could be turned into stories. Sadly, this also means that popular stories, videos, images, etc, will be seen by a lot of writers or artists, which will spawn a series of stories/art with potentially identical topics. It is up to every writer to add something unique to the mix, something that will make it stand out.

What bothers me is that there are many that don't seem to bother with that. And there are others that, while they do try, the end result ends being less than desirable.

I personally admire those who pull it out correctly, and those who make a clear effort at making a good story. I know how hard it is, and I myself struggle with that extra ingredient that will make a story stand out.

If a story has clichés, but they don't bother anyone, even when pointed, then it was done in the best way possible. Feel proud! You managed to make something that could be called "an excellent story". So props to you!