What are some strategies for avoiding cliche disasters when plotting a book?

When plotting a book, avoiding cliches is crucial to creating a fresh, engaging narrative. Cliches can feel predictable and uninspired, undermining the reader’s investment in the story. Here are some strategies to help you avoid cliche disasters while still crafting a compelling plot:

1. Subvert Expectations

Instead of relying on common tropes, consider twisting them. For example, if your protagonist is supposed to be an "underdog," don’t just have them triumph by default. Maybe they fail, or their victory comes with unexpected consequences. This subversion of expectations creates a unique plot and deepens the emotional impact of your story.

2. Develop Complex Characters

Cliches often arise from shallow, one-dimensional characters. Flesh out your characters with rich backstories, motivations, and internal conflicts. Let them make decisions that feel true to their unique personalities, even if those decisions are unconventional or messy. When characters act in unpredictable yet believable ways, the plot avoids feeling generic.

3. Use Conflict in Unique Ways

Conflict is the backbone of any plot, but it can easily fall into cliche territory. Instead of defaulting to tired conflicts (e.g., good vs. evil), consider less conventional forms of tension: inner conflict, moral dilemmas, societal struggles, or unexpected betrayals. This can make the conflict feel more personal and resonant.

4. Avoid Overused Tropes

Certain plot elements have become so overused they feel almost mandatory in many genres, like the "chosen one" or the "love triangle." While they aren’t inherently bad, these tropes should be approached carefully. Think about how to either break them apart, give them a new twist, or replace them with something more original. The key is not to rely on them as crutches but to explore fresh, new possibilities.

5. Draw on Real Life Inspirations

One way to break free from cliches is to ground your story in real-world complexities. Real-life situations are rarely as neat and tidy as the formulaic plots we often see in fiction. By delving into human psychology, societal issues, or personal experiences, you can create a plot that feels both grounded and distinct from overused fictional patterns.

6. Embrace Ambiguity and Uncertainty

Life doesn’t always resolve in neat, tidy packages, and neither should your plot. The ultimate way to avoid cliches is to keep some level of uncertainty, tension, and ambiguity in the narrative. Not every question needs an answer, and not every character needs a perfect resolution. Allowing things to remain unresolved or open-ended can prevent your story from feeling overly formulaic.

7. Prioritize Theme Over Plot

Sometimes, writers focus too heavily on the plot itself, forcing it into a pre-conceived structure. Instead, focus on the underlying themes you want to explore. When your story is driven by unique thematic questions rather than standard plot formulas, you’re more likely to arrive at an original, meaningful narrative that avoids the trappings of cliche.

By incorporating these strategies, you can plot a book that stands out in its originality, offering readers an experience that feels fresh and thought-provoking rather than predictable and cliche.

Conclusion

Avoiding cliche disasters when plotting a book requires a combination of creativity, careful consideration, and a deep understanding of your characters and themes. By subverting expectations, developing complex characters, and exploring unique conflicts, you can breathe life into your narrative and steer clear of overused tropes. Drawing inspiration from real life, embracing ambiguity, and focusing on meaningful themes can further ensure that your plot feels fresh and original. Ultimately, the key to avoiding cliches is to remain true to your story’s unique voice and vision, allowing it to unfold in ways that surprise and captivate your readers. With these strategies in hand, you can craft a narrative that stands apart from the crowd and leaves a lasting impact.