10 Common New Writer Mistakes (and How to Fix Them)

Summary

This script addresses common pitfalls faced by novice writers, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and learning from mistakes. It debunks the myth of infallible writing advice, stressing the need for a nuanced approach. The speaker advises on crafting cohesive narratives, avoiding 'bad movie' syndrome in novels, and developing consistent characters. They also discuss the significance of evoking emotions, maintaining narrative focus, and understanding genre conventions. The script concludes with encouragement to keep writing, learn from errors, and seek continuous improvement.

Takeaways

• 📘 Writing advice should be treated as flexible guidelines rather than strict rules; it's subjective and varies based on individual writing goals.
• 🌟 The ability to convey a cohesive story concept is crucial; a strong story can often be summarized in a single, compelling sentence.
• 🎬 Avoid writing novels that read like bad movies by ensuring a balance between dialogue and descriptive prose, and by developing unique characters and plots.
• 👤 Consistent character development is key; ensure characters have core qualities that guide their actions and reactions throughout the story.
• 💖 Effectively conveying emotions in your writing helps readers connect with the story; use 'show, don't tell' techniques and specific details to achieve this.
• 🤯 Be mindful of head-hopping in third-person narratives; maintain a consistent point of view to avoid disorienting the reader.
• 🔄 Avoid unintentional repetition in plot points and phrases; seek variety in both scene construction and language use to maintain reader interest.
• 📚 Understanding your story's genre and target audience is essential for meeting expectations and effectively marketing your work.
• ⏳ Patience is vital in the writing process; be prepared to revise extensively and seek feedback to improve your manuscript.
• 🌟 Keep expectations realistic about the publishing process; success in writing often comes from a passion for the craft rather than the pursuit of fame and fortune.

Q & A

What is the common mistake new writers make regarding writing advice?

New writers often treat writing advice as if it's set in stone, either overcorrecting by strictly adhering to every piece of advice or dismissing all advice as useless if it doesn't apply to them. Experienced writers understand that writing advice is subjective and should be seen as guidelines that can be adjusted based on individual writing objectives.

Why is it important for writers to be able to convey a cohesive story concept?

Being able to convey a cohesive story concept is important because it helps to capture the essence of the book in a single sentence, making it easier for readers and publishers to understand the core idea of the novel. If a writer struggles to articulate what their novel is about, it may indicate flaws in the draft itself.

How can writers avoid writing a novel that reads like a bad movie?

Writers can avoid writing a novel that reads like a bad movie by studying the sentence-level writing style of authors they admire, adding actions, sensory details, or internal commentary to dialogue-heavy scenes, and taking inspiration for characters from real life instead of relying on stock roles.

What is the issue with creating inconsistent or undefined characters in a novel?

Inconsistent or undefined characters can make a story feel flat and less engaging. Inconsistent characterization occurs when characters act based on plot requirements rather than their own personalities, leading to actions that don't fit their established traits. Undefined characters lack depth and feel interchangeable, making it hard for readers to relate to them.

Why is it crucial for writers to make readers feel the emotions of the story?

Making readers feel the emotions of the story is crucial because it helps to create a more immersive and engaging reading experience. Techniques like 'showing, don't telling' and using specific details rather than generic descriptions can help convey emotions effectively. A strong narrative voice that evokes a specific emotion can also contribute to this.

What is head-hopping and how can it be avoided in writing?

Head-hopping is when a writer reveals the thoughts and feelings of multiple characters in a scene in a way that's jarring to the reader. It can be avoided by developing a strong sense of narrative voice, sticking with one character's perspective per scene or chapter, and studying novels that use third-person limited or omniscient narratives effectively.

Why is it important for writers to understand their story's genre and audience?

Understanding the genre and target audience is important because it helps in creating a story that meets readers' expectations and fits within the market. It also aids in the successful pitching of the book to publishers and literary agents who need to know the specific genre and audience to market the book effectively.

What are the consequences of being impatient and underestimating the revision process?

Being impatient and underestimating the revision process can lead to submitting or publishing subpar work. It's important to revise, revise, and revise, and to seek feedback from others to improve the quality of the writing. This patience and willingness to revise are crucial for creating a professional-tier story.

Why should writers have realistic expectations about the publishing process?

Writers should have realistic expectations about the publishing process because it can be a challenging and unpredictable journey with many rejections and potential pitfalls. Success is not guaranteed, and the journey to publication often involves a lot of hard work, patience, and persistence.

What is the key takeaway for writers who want to improve and learn from their mistakes?

The key takeaway for writers is to maintain a growth mindset, be open to learning, and not be too hard on themselves. Writing is a skill that can be improved through practice and rewriting. It's important to take risks, make mistakes, and learn from them to grow as a writer.