Defy Expectations to Defy Circumstantial Cliché

Writing Exercise:

·     We may have a story that is structured well, but we may also bore our readers with a lack of surprise. We can call this plot cliché, or circumstantial cliché (one of other writing clichés discussed in Writer's Digest).

·      First, look at these examples and think about:  1. What is generally expected from this character type and/or from this scenario?  2. How may I use the situation or setting to discuss a different conflict between characters than what might be expectedly going on in the larger setting amongst all characters?

o   Ex.: If your story takes place at a funeral, make the story less about the dead person or how people are sad for their loss, etc., Instead, what are some surprising things that one can imagine (or have experienced) that have gone on at funeral?

o   Ex.: You have a story revolving around the head cheerleader and the start quarterback of the high school (or college) football team. What is the easy, stereotype of their relationship? How might you take the story in some less expected directions? 

§  For example, on my example: maybe the QB is more interested in history classes than he is sex or beer or abuse!