Unless a writer lives with a periodic delusion of his greatness, he will not continue writing. He must believe, against all reason and evidence, that the public will experience a catastrophic loss if he does not complete his novel. The public is just clamoring to give him his fame. From the book Dare to be a Great Writer: 329 Keys to Powerful Fiction by
Great writers zealously learn the craft of their profession so they can release the power and the depth of their imagination and experience.
The only valid reason to use clichés is in the speech of a character. Cliches are indications of sloppy writing. The writer does not respect the scene he is trying to dramatize enough to fashion it through precise prose and imaginative imagery. From the book Dare to be a Great Writer: 329 Keys to Powerful Fiction by
Insights and perceptions pass through the mind like fleet fireflies. Lit for an instant, then gone back into the dark.
Writing is done by someone. It is not, like some mythical goddess, a skill that springs forth, full grown from the genes of inspiration.
Any writer who believes in the 'lucky creative accident' in writing is pushing elephants on roller skates up greased ramps.
