Writing is done by someone. It is not, like some mythical goddess, a skill that springs forth, full grown from the genes of inspiration.

The only valid reason to use clichés is in the speech of a character. Cliches are indications of sloppy writing. The writer does not respect the scene he is trying to dramatize enough to fashion it through precise prose and imaginative imagery. From the book Dare to be a Great Writer: 329 Keys to Powerful Fiction by

Any writer who believes in the 'lucky creative accident' in writing is pushing elephants on roller skates up greased ramps.