Is Your Fanfiction Idea Cliché?

       Have you ever stopped to ask yourself if your fanfiction may have been created before? It's alright, we all have. Surely, you've wondered what has and hasn't been used. That's okay, because today's post will be covering what is and is not acceptable in the world of cliché fanfiction.
       Stay tuned as you receive a full lesson on what is original, and what isn't. You will also be receiving pointers on how to stay original.

1. Read Fanfiction

       I am well aware that to most people, reading fanfiction before writing it is a usual thing. Well, it isn't as common as you originally thought. One way to find out what is and isn't original is to read up! I may be reiterating the obvious, but most people are oblivious to the idea of reading. For example, everybody knows that the whole "bad boy X good girl" trope is quite common. However, people often don't know that most Modern AUs take place in a school building. In many Modern AUs a school building can be a major plot device as well as a place for your characters to fall in love.

       By reading fanfiction, you now have the ability to pinpoint what is often used. You have all of the resources you need at your fingertips, do not shy away from them.

2. Search For What Is Cliché

       Let's take a moment to realize that Google is our best friend. During the darkest of hours, and the worst of times, Google has got us covered. In this case, Google remains loyal to us.

       What I mean by this is far more than simple. Literally just search "common book clichés". When you go to the Internet and look this up, the answers you get will normally be subjectively based off of opinion and personal expirence. Therefore, you get a real example of what a person feels is cliché. This makes writing much easier. So please, don't be nervous or feel like it's cheating. Research is never cheating, and you always have the option to use your resources. Pick up your laptop, and go to Google. Now. You will not regret it.

3. Ask Your Readers

       I will throw out there that this only works for people with an account on a fanfiction site. What you need to do for this step is pretty self-explanatory. You need to log on to your social media accounts and go into one of your books with many readers. Simply post a chapter that asks them what they feel is cliché and should be excluded from your current book. Also ask them what they would never want to see in one of your own books. Your readers are your dependable critics, and you need to trust them. Always work with your readers, always.

So, what do you think is cliché?

       To be honest, what is and is not cliché is formed by opinion. Trust your gut and you will probably do alright in this department. Just remember to step back and smell the fandom. Just ask yourself what the fandom would want. That will make judging what is and isn't cliché easy enough.

       Hopefully this post has satisfied you and helped you craft a cliché free plotline. If you do like clicheés and want to learn how to make them work, tell me in the comment section below. I'm bad at making clichés work, so if we end up needing an article on the subject know that I will bring in a guest author who I feel thrives in that area.

       If clichés are your problem area, drop a comment below and stick your tongue out because I believe in you.

       As always, thank you for following the courses of Fanfiction University, and keep showing up for class! That's all for today, students. Post a link to your fanfiction below and have a great afternoon!