You often hear people reminding you how important it is to be original. People stress the importance of standing out or going against the grain. You can’t do your hair like everyone else does. You can’t wear popular shoes, or brands. You can’t do anything that people consider “basic.” Everything you do has to be original and new. Writing is no different.

Often in writing workshops I hear people talks about clichés. It’s usually the first thing they find “wrong” with a piece. They don't want you to say you’re “in love.” They don't want to hear about your “soul.” And they definitely don't want to hear how “perfect” things are for you. Nothing can “complete you” and you can’t be “heartbroken.” These may be the perfect way to say exactly how you feel, but they’re clichés.

Sometimes I look at something and I’m “overwhelmed by beauty;” to the point where that is the only way I can think to describe how I’m feeling. But those aren’t the words I use. I have to say something about the painful elegance that wrapped the landscape in a golden glow. Even if that isn’t anywhere close to how I feel. I have to say that because it’s different.

I can’t write about true love. I can’t write about happy endings. Somewhere along the line, being different became more important than writing. Writing how you feel, putting a piece of yourself on the page, has become second to standing out.

I don't feel a gentle tug at the edges of my conscience when I look into the warm amber of your eyes. I love you. Sometimes the things we want to say, the things that to us, feel the most genuine, are clichés.

So here’s my thought to you, what’s most important, being original or being genuine? Or is being original the true cliché?