Too Cliche?

A discussion cropped up at our last writers' meeting which got me thinking. Is it really right or wrong to use cliches in your writing?

I suppose, like anything else its ultimately up to you the writer and if the perception of your readers matter or not. A lot of us write purely for the sake of it, but if you want your work to be published it may be wise to take note.

The definition of cliche in itself tells a story and gives an insight into how their use may be perceived, especially if you overuse them; overused phrases that seem 'trite' and therefore 'cliche'. The word itself is derived from the sound of the printing presses as they would make copy after copy of the same thing.

Think of it in this way - if someone used a well-known chat up line to get you to go on a date would you accept? Would you be inclined differently if they said something original, something personal to you? You'd be impressed by the latter I'm sure, especially if you were sober.

So, why not think of new way to say something that's been used time and time again and impress your readers with your wordmanship, You may even start a cliche of your own.