10 Common Writing Mistakes New Authors Make (and How to Avoid Them)

by | Fundamentals

Embarking on the journey of writing a book is both exhilarating and daunting. As a new author in 2024, it's crucial to be aware of common pitfalls that can hinder your progress and impact the quality of your work. Understanding these mistakes and learning how to navigate around them can significantly enhance your writing craft. […]

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Embarking on the journey of writing a book is both exhilarating and daunting. As a new author in 2024, it's crucial to be aware of common pitfalls that can hinder your progress and impact the quality of your work. Understanding these mistakes and learning how to navigate around them can significantly enhance your writing craft. Below, we delve into ten frequent errors new authors make and offer practical solutions to avoid them.

  1. Overcomplicating the Plot

Mistake: New writers often weave overly complex plots, believing complexity equates to depth.

Solution: Focus on a strong, clear storyline. Map out your plot in a simple outline format before adding subplots. Ensure each subplot complements rather than convolutes the main narrative.

  1. Underdeveloped Characters

Mistake: Readers struggle to connect with flat or one-dimensional characters.

Solution: Spend time developing comprehensive backstories for your characters. Understand their motivations, fears, and desires. Use character development exercises and interviews to flesh out their personalities.

  1. Inconsistent Point of View (POV)

Mistake: Switching POVs without clear markers can confuse readers and disrupt the flow of the story.

Solution: Decide early on whether your story will be first-person, third-person limited, or omniscient. Stick to the chosen POV consistently within chapters or use clear breaks when alternating.

  1. Telling Instead of Showing

Mistake: Describing emotions or actions plainly rather than depicting them through scenes.

Solution: Employ sensory details and active verbs to “show” rather than “tell.” For instance, instead of saying “John was angry,” you could write, “John's fists clenched, and his face turned crimson.”

  1. Overusing Adverbs and Adjectives

Mistake: Relying heavily on adverbs and adjectives can weaken prose.

Solution: Use strong, specific verbs and nouns. Instead of “walked slowly,” consider “ambled” or “strolled.” Limit the use of adverbs to instances where they add significant value to the sentence.

  1. Poor Pacing

Mistake: Inconsistent pacing can bore readers or leave them feeling rushed through important scenes.

Solution: Balance your narrative with a mix of fast-paced action and slower, reflective moments. Use pacing tools like scene length variation and cliffhangers effectively.

  1. Excessive Exposition

Mistake: Large information dumps can overwhelm and disengage readers.

Solution: Integrate exposition naturally through dialogue, actions, and scenery. Provide background details gradually, as needed, to maintain reader interest.

  1. Grammatical Errors and Typos

Mistake: Frequent grammatical mistakes can detract from the credibility of your manuscript.

Solution: Invest in good grammar-check software or hire an editor. Proofread your work multiple times or have a trusted peer review it.

  1. Weak Beginnings

Mistake: A slow or unengaging opening can lose readers quickly.

Solution: Start with a compelling hook—something intriguing or dramatic that grips readers immediately. Establish stakes or a relatable conflict early on.

  1. Lack of Voice

Mistake: A generic or inconsistent voice fails to capture readers' imaginations.

Solution: Develop a unique narrative voice by reading widely and practicing regularly. Write in a style that feels natural and engaging to you, and ensure it remains consistent throughout the manuscript.

Conclusion

Writing is a craft honed through awareness, practice, and persistence. By recognizing and addressing these common mistakes, new authors can create more polished and compelling manuscripts. Remember, every writer stumbles, but each mistake is an opportunity to learn and grow. Embrace the journey, refine your skills, and let your unique voice resonate in the literary world.