May 1, 2012

Hi friends & writers,

Happy May Day! Any gloriously pagan ways that you are celebrating?

Wishing good weeks to you all –

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PROCESS: THE REAL WHY NOT BEHIND CLICHÉS

We hear it all the time – don’t use clichés – but it’s worth stopping to question why not. The reason is because they are boring, and we read in order to bring new experiences, people, knowledge, and ways of being and thinking into our lives. My personal pet peeves include “this game we call life” and “literally almost died.” But they are all, generally, worth avoiding.

Try this: If you are trying to describe a thing and finding yourself tempted to use a cliché, consider this: has the thing already been described as well as it possibly can be? If so – then what new things could you describe instead, or what new ways of looking at that old thing?

FEATURED VENUE: 5-MINUTE MEMOIR

Every month Writers Digest publishes one 5-Minute Memoir, a 600-word personal essay reflecting on the writing life. When emailing submissions, write “5-Minute Memoir” in the subject line.

Send submissions here: wdsubmissions@fwmedia.com

PROMPT

Write about an escape. (9min)