Writing the Paranormal Novel: Techniques and Exercises for Weaving Supernatural Elements Into Your Story. (18 page)

You can do this with any cliché character. It also works with cliché situations. That Gateway you created? The one that's the same as every other Gateway? Develop it. It didn't spring into existence, right? Who created it? And for what purpose? Is the creator still around? Is he
happy
that people still use this Gateway? Perhaps the Gateway is difficult to open — or close — and it requires certain rituals or ingredients.

Adding more detail to a cliché will make it less cliché and more realistic, like a living, breathing person. In fact, this topic is so interesting, we're going to explore it more fully in the next chapter.