First off I'd like to say sorry for just now posting this interview up...my Internet has been...very unkind today to say the least.
And here it is: Interview!
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Monday, June 27, 2011
What Is Your Writing Process...
When an author writes there is generally a process that they choose to stick with because it works for them. Personally in author interviews this is the question I always find most interesting. I enjoy learning what everyone else does because sometimes I find things others do to be useful in my own writing process. So, here's how I did things with Shattered Soul...
The entire novel started with one little scene that popped in my head while folding laundry on a Sunday afternoon. This is how all of my novels start, not necessarily while folding laundry each time, but just a scene that pops into my head. If you have read Shattered Soul in paperback form this first scene was in chapter 17 on page 132. And if you've read the ebook form, it started just a few clicks from the chapter 17 header. This is the beginning to that particular little section :
I watched as his eyes shifted to Ali, gleaming with all the skill of a smooth predator. The way he looked at her, as though she were a tasty morsel for him to devour, made an uncontrollable rage sizzle through me.
I dropped my gaze to the floor. I had to tear my eyes away from him, from her, from this. Because me watching was only fueling the situation for each of them even more.
If you've read the book then you know where this is going. But it was this scene, which is about a page long and towards the end of the book, that started it all. I would put more, but I don't want to give anything away.
I wrote out that entire little clip and jumped to the beginning. For some reason the quote at the beginning was the next thing to pop into my mind. Horrible I know, and yes, it seriously was something I vividly remember reading off a bathroom stall when I was in high school.
I wrote chapters 1-4 in one day between the blue lines of a spiral bound notebook, then typed it all up on my laptop the next day. This novel came to me so quickly I couldn't get it on paper fast enough. I'd write a few paragraphs and then a few sentences of dialogue would come to mind for later on in the plot and I'd jot them down on a page towards the front of my notebook titled "Scenes" to save for later.
There were a few places where I became stuck, unable to write even a full sentence without scratching it out with my pen. In these times I found it best to go back at least three pages and reread what I'd wrote to get back into the story again. Sometimes I'd have to do this for a few days, if I'm being truly honest.
This is how my writing process works.
I start with a blank spiral bound notebook. I write any title names, character names, and character physical traits on the inside cover. Sometimes I also use this area to help me figure out the time line. The first four pages I keep blank to use as my "Scene" pages. This is where I write any clips or dialogue that comes to mind. I put a check beside each one I've all ready used as I use them and scratch out any that don't fit the way things have gone.
And then I write. Which becomes a horrible mess that I'm sure no one but myself can understand due to all the scratch outs and jumbled up writing all over the pages.
On the back cover I jot down little things that I need to remember for the story. With Shattered Soul I had to look up some prescription drug names and usages online and this is where I wrote them down.
When I finally finished writing Shattered Soul there were a few pages blank at the end of my notebook, this is where I kept my editing notes for all four rounds that I personally did and also where I wrote my blurb.
Some authors outline their entire novel. Some wing it. Some use the snowflake method. In the end each method has the same result (hopefully) a completed novel.
The entire novel started with one little scene that popped in my head while folding laundry on a Sunday afternoon. This is how all of my novels start, not necessarily while folding laundry each time, but just a scene that pops into my head. If you have read Shattered Soul in paperback form this first scene was in chapter 17 on page 132. And if you've read the ebook form, it started just a few clicks from the chapter 17 header. This is the beginning to that particular little section :
I watched as his eyes shifted to Ali, gleaming with all the skill of a smooth predator. The way he looked at her, as though she were a tasty morsel for him to devour, made an uncontrollable rage sizzle through me.
I dropped my gaze to the floor. I had to tear my eyes away from him, from her, from this. Because me watching was only fueling the situation for each of them even more.
If you've read the book then you know where this is going. But it was this scene, which is about a page long and towards the end of the book, that started it all. I would put more, but I don't want to give anything away.
I wrote out that entire little clip and jumped to the beginning. For some reason the quote at the beginning was the next thing to pop into my mind. Horrible I know, and yes, it seriously was something I vividly remember reading off a bathroom stall when I was in high school.
I wrote chapters 1-4 in one day between the blue lines of a spiral bound notebook, then typed it all up on my laptop the next day. This novel came to me so quickly I couldn't get it on paper fast enough. I'd write a few paragraphs and then a few sentences of dialogue would come to mind for later on in the plot and I'd jot them down on a page towards the front of my notebook titled "Scenes" to save for later.
There were a few places where I became stuck, unable to write even a full sentence without scratching it out with my pen. In these times I found it best to go back at least three pages and reread what I'd wrote to get back into the story again. Sometimes I'd have to do this for a few days, if I'm being truly honest.
This is how my writing process works.
I start with a blank spiral bound notebook. I write any title names, character names, and character physical traits on the inside cover. Sometimes I also use this area to help me figure out the time line. The first four pages I keep blank to use as my "Scene" pages. This is where I write any clips or dialogue that comes to mind. I put a check beside each one I've all ready used as I use them and scratch out any that don't fit the way things have gone.
And then I write. Which becomes a horrible mess that I'm sure no one but myself can understand due to all the scratch outs and jumbled up writing all over the pages.
On the back cover I jot down little things that I need to remember for the story. With Shattered Soul I had to look up some prescription drug names and usages online and this is where I wrote them down.
When I finally finished writing Shattered Soul there were a few pages blank at the end of my notebook, this is where I kept my editing notes for all four rounds that I personally did and also where I wrote my blurb.
Some authors outline their entire novel. Some wing it. Some use the snowflake method. In the end each method has the same result (hopefully) a completed novel.
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Interview With Maria Rachel Hooley...
First off I'd like to thank Maria for agreeing to do this interview with me on her Edgy YA novel October Breezes...
October Breezes is available at Maria's Website, Amazon.com, Kindle, and Nook.
Summary:
Skye Williams knows everything there is to know about mistrust. Dad skipped out when she was five. And now Warren Jacobsen tries to sweep her Mom off her feet. But Warren's not the only concern rocking Skye's world. Devin Abbott, a guy she's known since kindergarten, has changed. He's become a tall, broad-shouldered guy she might date-if he wasn't her best friend. Skye swears there's nothing between them, but everyone else thinks differently. Devin doesn't act the way he used to, especially when Kellin Morgan, senior quarterback, asks Skye out. Flattered, she accepts, and, Devin sulls up-and he isn't the only one. Kellin's best friend, Tyler Rutherford, gets bent out of shape, too, as he's always wanted Skye for himself. When Kellin and Skye attend one of Tyler's famous parties, neither senses the impending disaster that will change not only her life but also that of everyone who loves her.
Excerpt:
Sometimes nothing is as it seems. That's what I remember thinking last October--six months that might as well have been a lifetime ago. That was before I lost my best friend. The night everything changed, Devin and I sprawled across a round concrete picnic table long enough for me, but his feet dangled over the edge. Although I lay with arms propped behind my head, Devin rested on his side, an elbow supporting him.
The small town of West Martin was barely a dot on the Illinois map—a dot trying hard to fashion a bed-and-breakfast image instead of a boring lakefront community with two high schools, ten churches, and a handful of fast food restaurants, none of which offered much entertainment. As such, most teens like us, hung out in Lucy Park. Tonight, however, a cold front had lowered the temperature to 25 degrees, and most people had stayed inside. Still, we preferred the cold and liked the way the lights barely illuminated the darkness.
"Is your mom going to kill you? It's already after 11."
“She’s out with her fiancé, remember?” I lifted my hands to my mouth and blew on my fingers.
“Cold?” He scooted closer.
More on the inside than the outside, I thought. The wind carried a distant burning smell--firewood--and I inhaled deeply, savoring the remembered warmth. “I don't know why she's agreed to marry the jerk.” I shook my head. “He’s going to leave her—maybe not tonight, but some time.”
“Well, maybe you should lighten up.” Devin tickled me. “Maybe he'll hang around.”
“Right. My dad didn’t. He left years ago, and the other guys my mom dates haven’t bothered, either. Why would this one be any different?” Cold air brushed my stomach where my shirt had pulled up. I tugged it down.
“He’s a different person. Maybe you should get to know him and stop growling.”
“Easy for you to say,” I snorted. “Both your parents live under the same roof.” I rolled my shoulders, trying to move from the unforgiving concrete cooling my back. “You never wonder which state you’re going to see on the post card your dad sends. That ‘See you soon’ is quite a closing, don’t you think? It’s not ‘I love you.’ It’s ‘I’ll see you soon.’” Tears seasoned my voice, deepening it.
Devin leaned over me, his fingers dabbing the tears. “Sorry--I should’ve kept my big mouth shut.”
“Yeah, you should have. But since you’re my best friend, I’ll let you live.” I swallowed hard, rubbing the concrete to take my mind off Devin's frown.
About Maria Rachel Hooley:
Maria Rachel Hooley has written over thirty novels, including New Life Incorporated and When Angels Cry. Her first chapbook of poetry was published by Rose Rock Press in 1999. While her novels typically venture into different genres, the one constant is the theme of redemption. She lives in Oklahoma with her husband and three children. If she's not writing, she probably teaching English to high school or college students.
Interview With Maria Rachel Hooley:
Jennifer: What inspired you to write this novel?
Maria Rachel Hooley: October Breezes tackles a subject that most novels don't--abortion, and I didn't want it to be a typical pro/con take. My inspiration for the novel is actually for the problems girls/women develop after having an abortion. There are actually lots of psychological affects for women if their value system doesn't really include abortion but they choose to have one anyway. While it seems that Skye's reaction may be a bit dramatic to some readers, the research is really out to prove it.
Jennifer: What is your writing process like?
Maria Rachel Hooley: Typically, I use The Snowflake Method. It's a ten-step process that starts out with a one-line sentence about the plot. Then it expands until you actually write the book. It really works well for me.
Jennifer: What does your family think of your writing?
Maria Rachel Hooley: My kids usually roll their eyes and say, "Another book?" My husband is my editor so he usually reads everything I write and offers great feedback.
Jennifer: What were the last five books you read?
Maria Rachel Hooley:
In the Arms of Stone Angels--Jordan Dane
Before I Die--Jenny Downham
Hourglass--Myra McEntire
Crescendo--Becca Fitzpatrick
Mermaid--Carolyn Turgeon
Check out Maria's site www.mariarachelhooley.com to see more about October Breezes and other novels!
October Breezes is available at Maria's Website, Amazon.com, Kindle, and Nook.
Summary:
Skye Williams knows everything there is to know about mistrust. Dad skipped out when she was five. And now Warren Jacobsen tries to sweep her Mom off her feet. But Warren's not the only concern rocking Skye's world. Devin Abbott, a guy she's known since kindergarten, has changed. He's become a tall, broad-shouldered guy she might date-if he wasn't her best friend. Skye swears there's nothing between them, but everyone else thinks differently. Devin doesn't act the way he used to, especially when Kellin Morgan, senior quarterback, asks Skye out. Flattered, she accepts, and, Devin sulls up-and he isn't the only one. Kellin's best friend, Tyler Rutherford, gets bent out of shape, too, as he's always wanted Skye for himself. When Kellin and Skye attend one of Tyler's famous parties, neither senses the impending disaster that will change not only her life but also that of everyone who loves her.
Excerpt:
Sometimes nothing is as it seems. That's what I remember thinking last October--six months that might as well have been a lifetime ago. That was before I lost my best friend. The night everything changed, Devin and I sprawled across a round concrete picnic table long enough for me, but his feet dangled over the edge. Although I lay with arms propped behind my head, Devin rested on his side, an elbow supporting him.
The small town of West Martin was barely a dot on the Illinois map—a dot trying hard to fashion a bed-and-breakfast image instead of a boring lakefront community with two high schools, ten churches, and a handful of fast food restaurants, none of which offered much entertainment. As such, most teens like us, hung out in Lucy Park. Tonight, however, a cold front had lowered the temperature to 25 degrees, and most people had stayed inside. Still, we preferred the cold and liked the way the lights barely illuminated the darkness.
"Is your mom going to kill you? It's already after 11."
“She’s out with her fiancé, remember?” I lifted my hands to my mouth and blew on my fingers.
“Cold?” He scooted closer.
More on the inside than the outside, I thought. The wind carried a distant burning smell--firewood--and I inhaled deeply, savoring the remembered warmth. “I don't know why she's agreed to marry the jerk.” I shook my head. “He’s going to leave her—maybe not tonight, but some time.”
“Well, maybe you should lighten up.” Devin tickled me. “Maybe he'll hang around.”
“Right. My dad didn’t. He left years ago, and the other guys my mom dates haven’t bothered, either. Why would this one be any different?” Cold air brushed my stomach where my shirt had pulled up. I tugged it down.
“He’s a different person. Maybe you should get to know him and stop growling.”
“Easy for you to say,” I snorted. “Both your parents live under the same roof.” I rolled my shoulders, trying to move from the unforgiving concrete cooling my back. “You never wonder which state you’re going to see on the post card your dad sends. That ‘See you soon’ is quite a closing, don’t you think? It’s not ‘I love you.’ It’s ‘I’ll see you soon.’” Tears seasoned my voice, deepening it.
Devin leaned over me, his fingers dabbing the tears. “Sorry--I should’ve kept my big mouth shut.”
“Yeah, you should have. But since you’re my best friend, I’ll let you live.” I swallowed hard, rubbing the concrete to take my mind off Devin's frown.
About Maria Rachel Hooley:
Maria Rachel Hooley has written over thirty novels, including New Life Incorporated and When Angels Cry. Her first chapbook of poetry was published by Rose Rock Press in 1999. While her novels typically venture into different genres, the one constant is the theme of redemption. She lives in Oklahoma with her husband and three children. If she's not writing, she probably teaching English to high school or college students.
Interview With Maria Rachel Hooley:
Jennifer: What inspired you to write this novel?
Maria Rachel Hooley: October Breezes tackles a subject that most novels don't--abortion, and I didn't want it to be a typical pro/con take. My inspiration for the novel is actually for the problems girls/women develop after having an abortion. There are actually lots of psychological affects for women if their value system doesn't really include abortion but they choose to have one anyway. While it seems that Skye's reaction may be a bit dramatic to some readers, the research is really out to prove it.
Jennifer: What is your writing process like?
Maria Rachel Hooley: Typically, I use The Snowflake Method. It's a ten-step process that starts out with a one-line sentence about the plot. Then it expands until you actually write the book. It really works well for me.
Jennifer: What does your family think of your writing?
Maria Rachel Hooley: My kids usually roll their eyes and say, "Another book?" My husband is my editor so he usually reads everything I write and offers great feedback.
Jennifer: What were the last five books you read?
Maria Rachel Hooley:
In the Arms of Stone Angels--Jordan Dane
Before I Die--Jenny Downham
Hourglass--Myra McEntire
Crescendo--Becca Fitzpatrick
Mermaid--Carolyn Turgeon
Check out Maria's site www.mariarachelhooley.com to see more about October Breezes and other novels!
Monday, June 20, 2011
First Family Vacation...
Last week my little family and I went on our first vacation!
We live in the mountains of western North Carolina, but decided to go to the closest beach we could find. Isle of Palms in South Carolina was the beach we chose. I have to admit, I was not too thrilled about the whole five and a half hour trip with two kids (ages 4 and 7), but it went fairly well.
We left out on Wednesday morning around 9 and arrived at the Palms Hotel around 3:30. Yes, if you do the math, the trip was a little longer than five and a half hours...we had to make two potty breaks and one lunch break along the way.
The hotel was amazing! It was clean, the room was moderate in size, and right on the beach! There were restaurants and little shops all right on the strip our hotel was on so we didn't have to drive at all, which was nice.
Here is a jellyfish that washed up. The kids thought it was an alien! This was their first time to see the ocean by the way...but not mine or my hubby's.
A picture of the crazy, bright orange full moon that greeted us across the ocean on our first night.
This is a picture my husband took and then later said "Man, this would sell great at a flea market!" LOL!
I leave you with my favorite scenery picture.
We live in the mountains of western North Carolina, but decided to go to the closest beach we could find. Isle of Palms in South Carolina was the beach we chose. I have to admit, I was not too thrilled about the whole five and a half hour trip with two kids (ages 4 and 7), but it went fairly well.
We left out on Wednesday morning around 9 and arrived at the Palms Hotel around 3:30. Yes, if you do the math, the trip was a little longer than five and a half hours...we had to make two potty breaks and one lunch break along the way.
The hotel was amazing! It was clean, the room was moderate in size, and right on the beach! There were restaurants and little shops all right on the strip our hotel was on so we didn't have to drive at all, which was nice.
Here is a jellyfish that washed up. The kids thought it was an alien! This was their first time to see the ocean by the way...but not mine or my hubby's.
A picture of the crazy, bright orange full moon that greeted us across the ocean on our first night.
This is a picture my husband took and then later said "Man, this would sell great at a flea market!" LOL!
I leave you with my favorite scenery picture.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Check Out My Interview...
Interview Today I'm on indieebooks.blogspot.com! There's a fun interview on there...stop by and check it out!
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Twitter...
I'm on Twitter now! JennSnyder04 is my username...just thought I'd put that out there. ;)
For All The Number Crunchers...
I am a number cruncher. Truthfully I hate math, but for whatever reason, love to deal with budgets and money. So I figured I'd talk today about my sales.
Shattered Soul went on sale May 14th, so this first part will be May and June combined. As in, May 14 - June 14 = 1 month. Because as of today Shattered Soul has been live for one month! Yay!
And here's the break down...
Nook- 3 books sold = $5.82
Kindle- 4 books sold = $8.28
Createspace - 1 book sold = $1.52
Smashwords - 0
Total = $15.62 and 8 books sold.
Second break down...
May
Nook - 1 book sold = $1.94
Kindle - 3 books sold = $6.21
Createspace - 1 book sold = $1.52
Smashwords - 0
June- as of this moment.
Nook - 2 books sold = $3.88
Kindle - 1 book sold = $2.07
Createspace - 0
Smashwords - 0
To some this might not seem like a lot of sales, or even a lot of money for that matter. To me it's amazing! To know that people read the blurb I wrote (which seemed to be the hardest part for me) and thought that it sounded interesting enough to either sample it further or flat out buy it is still mind blowing! I'm not in it for the money, I'm in it for my dream of being an Author. So thank you to those who have purchased my novel and made that dream of mine more of a reality!
Shattered Soul went on sale May 14th, so this first part will be May and June combined. As in, May 14 - June 14 = 1 month. Because as of today Shattered Soul has been live for one month! Yay!
And here's the break down...
Nook- 3 books sold = $5.82
Kindle- 4 books sold = $8.28
Createspace - 1 book sold = $1.52
Smashwords - 0
Total = $15.62 and 8 books sold.
Second break down...
May
Nook - 1 book sold = $1.94
Kindle - 3 books sold = $6.21
Createspace - 1 book sold = $1.52
Smashwords - 0
June- as of this moment.
Nook - 2 books sold = $3.88
Kindle - 1 book sold = $2.07
Createspace - 0
Smashwords - 0
To some this might not seem like a lot of sales, or even a lot of money for that matter. To me it's amazing! To know that people read the blurb I wrote (which seemed to be the hardest part for me) and thought that it sounded interesting enough to either sample it further or flat out buy it is still mind blowing! I'm not in it for the money, I'm in it for my dream of being an Author. So thank you to those who have purchased my novel and made that dream of mine more of a reality!
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Happyness...
I had to take a moment and share some wonderful news! Over the past week or so Shattered Soul has recieved some wonderful reveiws on Goodreads.com!
The first I noticed made my day because it was all about the ending of Shatttered Soul, which is that part I fretted over for an entire month because the original ending I had written never seemed to fit right to me. So, I was over joyed to see that someone loved it enough to menton it!
As the week went on I was startled to see Shattered Soul obtained two 5 STAR reviews on the same site! One of which was from a winner of my giveaway!
I know to some three reviews might not seem like much, but to me it has meant the world! This was exactly what I wanted, to write a story and have people become touched by my words. I truly feel blessed to have acomplished this!
Thank you to those people who took the time to write a review!
The first I noticed made my day because it was all about the ending of Shatttered Soul, which is that part I fretted over for an entire month because the original ending I had written never seemed to fit right to me. So, I was over joyed to see that someone loved it enough to menton it!
As the week went on I was startled to see Shattered Soul obtained two 5 STAR reviews on the same site! One of which was from a winner of my giveaway!
I know to some three reviews might not seem like much, but to me it has meant the world! This was exactly what I wanted, to write a story and have people become touched by my words. I truly feel blessed to have acomplished this!
Thank you to those people who took the time to write a review!
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Forcing It...
Have you ever worked on a spacific scene in a chapter or fretted over your begining to a novel until your head throbs and your eyes feel like they may cross at any moment and become permenitly stuck that way? And your two seconds away from banging your head against something because you just don't understand why you can't seem to get it right?
This is where I'm at...I'm calling it "Forcing It", because I realized that in fact is was what I've been doing.
I started revamping a novel I wrote two years ago and love the plot, but can not seem to make it work right for me. I came to the "Forcing It" conclusion last night while cooking lemon pepper pork chops and twice baked potatoes. Don't think I'm a baker, because I'm not. The potatoes were microwavable...someone else had all ready slaved away to make them just right!
Anyways, my problem is this...the begining is far too slow and has nothing to grab you and entice you to read further. Practically everything that I love about this story happens in the middle and end. I've rewrote the begining for this particular book three times just this week alone. The grand total, though, is seven.
So I'm saving myself from some unwanted headaches and setting it aside. I know I'll eventually figure out how to start it, but right now it's just not happening.
This is where I'm at...I'm calling it "Forcing It", because I realized that in fact is was what I've been doing.
I started revamping a novel I wrote two years ago and love the plot, but can not seem to make it work right for me. I came to the "Forcing It" conclusion last night while cooking lemon pepper pork chops and twice baked potatoes. Don't think I'm a baker, because I'm not. The potatoes were microwavable...someone else had all ready slaved away to make them just right!
Anyways, my problem is this...the begining is far too slow and has nothing to grab you and entice you to read further. Practically everything that I love about this story happens in the middle and end. I've rewrote the begining for this particular book three times just this week alone. The grand total, though, is seven.
So I'm saving myself from some unwanted headaches and setting it aside. I know I'll eventually figure out how to start it, but right now it's just not happening.
Monday, June 6, 2011
And Out They Go...
I recieved an email on Saturday evening letting me know who the winners of my goodreads giveaway contest were and am incredably excited to get their copies in the mail today!
I can't exspress how pleased I am with the outcome of this givaway! Goodreads is an amazing site for authors and readers alike. I will definetely be doing givaways through them with future books of mine.
Speaking of future works, I'm curently working on my next self-published novel. At this point I have no clue as to when it will be ready for publication, but I'm having fun with it and that is what matters most. However, I will say that this novel is a YA paranormal romance.
Hope everyone had a GREAT weekend!
I can't exspress how pleased I am with the outcome of this givaway! Goodreads is an amazing site for authors and readers alike. I will definetely be doing givaways through them with future books of mine.
Speaking of future works, I'm curently working on my next self-published novel. At this point I have no clue as to when it will be ready for publication, but I'm having fun with it and that is what matters most. However, I will say that this novel is a YA paranormal romance.
Hope everyone had a GREAT weekend!
Friday, June 3, 2011
Goodreads Giveaway Is Now Closed...
The giveaway I started last week has now ended. I've not yet been notified of who the lucky winners are, but am anxious to get the copies in the mail to them. A shocking 879 people entered in to win a copy! I'm amazed by this! It's truly a wonderful feeling that my novel caught that many peoples interest.
Thank you to those who entered into my giveaway and also to those who have purchased my book on their own! You people make me smile!
Thank you to those who entered into my giveaway and also to those who have purchased my book on their own! You people make me smile!
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
The Same Old Cliches...
Before I dive into this post, let me note that no, I do not know how to make the funny little mark which is supposed to be above my "e" in the word cliche. And here we go...
Some cliches are plain silly and added into your writing for humor in certain areas. And some, simply just fit and work where you've put them perfectly. More often than not though, cliches can be annoying.
Here is a short list of some that I personally think are used out.
1)Blind as a bat.
2)Cool as a cucumber.
3)Slept like a baby.
4)Hungry as a bear.
5)To beat the band.
6)Down in the dumps.
7)Mad as a hornet.
8)Strong as an ox.
And the list could go on and on...but I'm assuming you get the picture. And yes, I am guilty of saying some of those a few times in my life. The point is, try to refrain from using too many in your writing.
I'm going to end this with two of my love/hate clliches.
*It's raining cats and dogs. When has this EVER happened and who was the first to say it?
*Eat your heart out. Seriously? Ew.
Some cliches are plain silly and added into your writing for humor in certain areas. And some, simply just fit and work where you've put them perfectly. More often than not though, cliches can be annoying.
Here is a short list of some that I personally think are used out.
1)Blind as a bat.
2)Cool as a cucumber.
3)Slept like a baby.
4)Hungry as a bear.
5)To beat the band.
6)Down in the dumps.
7)Mad as a hornet.
8)Strong as an ox.
And the list could go on and on...but I'm assuming you get the picture. And yes, I am guilty of saying some of those a few times in my life. The point is, try to refrain from using too many in your writing.
I'm going to end this with two of my love/hate clliches.
*It's raining cats and dogs. When has this EVER happened and who was the first to say it?
*Eat your heart out. Seriously? Ew.
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