One thing I have noticed, being a writer as well as an editor, is that many writers questioning themselves and asking if what they have written is wrong. Writers seem to think there are a whole lot of rules to write and if they don't follow them, they will fail. But there's really not. I compiled a list of the most common writing mistakes I have noticed while editing (when it comes to creative writing) to help ease those writing woes.
Dull beginnings:
They say that we have 3-5 seconds to impress someone – something that is important when it comes to writing. If you start with a boring opener, chances are that the reader will put down the book and walk away. Engage your audience from the get-go and make your hook epic enough to keep the readers reading.
Verbiage:
What is that you may ask? Verbiage is when you feel the basic need to fill a page with a lot of words that don’t need to be there. A lot of first-time writers, especially while discovering their voices or on their first drafts, tend to give in to the verbiage need. Don’t drag your readers through paragraphs for a message that can be told in a sentence. You don’t want to send them to sleep while reading your novel.
Repetition:
Saying the same thing over and over and over and over and over again can potentially throw readers out of the story as well as annoy them. Some repetition, however, in the way of making your message clearer or reinforcing a symbol/theme, is okay and needed in some stories. Telling your readers the same sentences in the same paragraphs for the same reason is not needed in ANY story. It also can potentially lower your writing credibility.
Flowery purple prose:
“Purple prose” is known in the literary world as sentences so flowery that they break the writing flow and are known by the extravagant use of adjectives and adverbs. Social media had changed the way society reads long chunks of writing. We no longer enjoy the long, flowery words of old poems, we want short, simple and to the point. Don’t get me wrong, mixing up sentence lengths with adjectives and adverbs can do wonders on readers imaginations and interests, but try not to overdo it.
Unnecessary body descriptions:
I will be the first to admit, I hate mirror scenes whether it be in books or movies. That scene where the main character stands in front of a mirror or a body of water, running their hands over their ‘pale/tanned/mocha/chocolate’ body and ‘mentally’ describing their ‘flat, toned stomachs’ or they ‘brush their long (insert colour) hair’ or they compare bits of their bodies to fruit. It comes across as an information dump and gets quite tiresome. Your readers don’t need to know it all – leave something to the imagination. Drop hints and let them do the rest.
Predictability:
Readers love to connect with characters. They like to worry over them and share the fear of what’s to come. They like mentally trying to guess what happens and surprisingly, get excited if they’re wrong. If the readers can guess what comes next, you have already lost them. Don’t take them down a familiar and worn path, throw something unexpected their way and re-hook their interest all over again.
Unrealistic dialogue:
One big challenge (other than writing the book) authors face is dialogue. How much is too much? Is it a bunch of sentences or is there actions thrown in as well? Dialogue is essential for your story so ask yourself “how would I sound/what would I do/what would I say/how would I act if this was happening to me?” Also, remember to substitute he said/she said with actions that can show off the situation as well as build the character in the readers' mind.
Use of clichés:
The use of overused and ridiculous clichés can lead to readers feeling bored, awkward and like they have read your writing before. Not something you aim for after spilling your blood, sweat and tears on paper. Clichés are okay occasionally and within reason but excite your readers by throwing in your own unique twist and giving the tired clichés new life.
Lack of character growth:
This can also fall under the realistic character category we have already covered in a previous post. Character growth is an important part of making sure the story keeps going forward. We as people grow every single day in one way or another - physically, mentally and sometimes morally. Why wouldn’t you allow your character to grow as well?
Lack of conflict:
There needs to be a conflict for the story to advance the plot but to also shine a light on the growth and purpose of the characters. It can be anything from an incident that needs solving, a spanner in your characters life, a breakdown or break up or even a massive worldwide event. Without this conflict, your novel and your characters lack a sense of purpose making your story go in circles and becoming very boring very quick.
Lacklustre endings:
Urgh. There is nothing worse than reading an amazing book, witnessing the characters going through incredible character arches, crises have been fixed and everything comes together perfectly… only to have the ending leave you yelling “WHAT?! Where’s the rest?!” It is fine to have some questions left unanswered especially if there is a sequel, but if it’s a stand-alone book, it is the worst. It’s not only dissatisfying for the readers, but I imagine also for the writer. Make sure you end on the same high that you started with and give the readers the ending they deserve.
One last thing: remember to be kind to yourself. The most common mistake writers make is setting themselves unrealistic goals and ridiculously high standards. Revise, change words, fiddle with the layout and even cry - but please finish it. You will learn more and more with each try so don’t give up. Just breathe and keep on writing. You got this!
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