Cliches Quote by Miguel Syjuco
“Touching on universality is an important part of effective storytelling, but the problem with cliches is that they are tired and dull. And that's where writers must try to be artful.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Art of Storytelling, Miguel Syjuco, 2021
Universal themes help stories connect, but overused clichés make narratives feel stale; writers must seek fresh, artistic expression.
In simple terms: Universal ideas are good, but avoid tired clichés.
Strive for originality while keeping universal appeal.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- novel writing
- screenwriting
- public speaking
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What fresh angle can you bring to a common theme?
- How do you balance universality with novelty?
Originality can be hard to achieve under market pressures.