U is for UNIQUE

Hey! Follow me this month as I work through the alphabet of great writing tips, from creating ACTION to getting into the ZONE. Then, go here to see who else is taking part in the 2014 A to Z Blogging Challenge.

*      *      *

Cat got your tongue?
Laughter is the best medicine.
Fit as a fiddle.
Every cloud has a silver lining.

These are examples of clichés — phrases that have been used so many times that they are no longer UNIQUE.

An author once told me there are no original ideas — most are just twists on similar concepts and stories. But that doesn’t mean you can’t make your words unique.

I’m working on getting rid of all of the clichés in my writing, and you know what? It’s forcing me to stretch my imagination, and find new, fun ways of saying things.

What are some of your favourite clichés? What are some ways you could say the same thing, but with a UNIQUE twist?

Gotta jet!

— Chase Superman Duffy