Are "Cancer Stories" a Literary Cliche?

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   Ken S Harrisposted 11 years ago

   In college, I submitted a story I had written to an advanced creative writing workshop. It was inspired by a friend of mine who found out she had cancer. So, I wrote about it. The workshop said, though my story could  be an exception because it didn't focus solely on cancer, "cancer stories" were a cliche in writing. I find this hard to justify, especially since cancer is a deadly disease that affects so many people. I would love to hear others' thoughts on this.  Thank you!

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      K9keystrokesposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I would never consider anything having to with cancer as cliche. If anything, it would be a subject that speaks to one of the largest followings found on earth.

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   Cagsilposted 11 years ago

   Cancer stories a cliche? No. Not by any stretch of the imagination.

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   tussinposted 11 years ago

   What your writing leader probably means is that sentimental stories about being diagnosed with a disease are overdone in commercial fiction.  The idea of cancer itself is not a cliche, but all too often writers will resort to cliches when writing a tear-jerker about someone getting sick.

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      Denise Handlonposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I love your response...it puts a different perspective on the statement presented and one that holds an element of truth and integrity...being able to look beyond the feeling of being slighted by the criticism of that particular instructor.  That is the only way we really learn to fine tune our craft and develop.

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   Keith Hamposted 11 years ago

   They once were but not exactly anymore. Remember, though, even the most common type of story can be made to stand out on its own.
   
   I swear that sounded like a oxymoron was in there somewhere, oh well.

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