In an effort to avoid using cliches in my writing, I’ve been researching common ones. As a result, I thought it would be fun to try to write a story using as many cliches as possible. How many can you find?

PS – this story sucks and I hate it, but I hope it will make other writers notice cliches and avoid them like the plague. 

The Cliche and I 

The night lasted an eternity, and I was dog tired when Sadie stood over my bed and woke me up. I rolled over and squinted at her; her long, red hair draped over her shoulders. 

“Come on, Katie. The early bird gets the worm,” she prodded. 

I groaned and sat up, remembering I didn’t have a care in the world last night, before the party.

“What happened to that guy? What was his name?” She asked as she examined her reflection and brushed her hair.

Ah, yes. That guy. He clearly came from the lap of luxury, and I wondered what a handsome football player like him would want with damaged goods like myself. “Ricky, and I’m not sure. I think he was trying to pull a fast one. Maybe his friends dared him to talk to me.”

“I dunno, I think he was the real McCoy.” She approached me and sat next to me on the bed. “Time and time again, I’ve seen you push anyone away because of your past. Not everyone will reject you because your parents aren’t around.”

She was right, of course. My preemptive rejections were too numerous to count, but it was better to be safe than sorry, or so I thought. I remembered Ricky’s charming grin that complemented his sleek, blond hair. My gut told me he was different – a diamond in the rough. 

****

I was wrong; this isn’t fun. This story is making me throw up in my mouth as I type it. I counted a double-digit number of cliches just in this terrible snippet. That’s enough. I’ve learned my lesson.