“It was a dark and stormy night.”
What this quote means
This phrase, opening the novel Paul Clifford, has become the archetype of the melodramatic, clichéd opening. It evokes an atmosphere of mystery and danger, but its excess of lyricism has been mocked and parodied. It resonates as a reminder that certain formulas, through overuse, lose their impact and become clichés. It invites us to seek originality in writing and avoid clichés.
How to apply it daily
In your next piece of writing, avoid generic openings. Start with a specific image, a dialogue, or an action that plunges the reader directly into the story.
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