24 Mistakes Writers Make (And What to Do About Them)

1.      WAITING FOR INSPIRATION TO STRIKE.

Sure, inspiration exists; but don't waste time waiting for it to strike.  Just start writing.  That is usually enough to get the creative juices flowing.

2.      WRITING OVERSIMPLIFIED CHARACTERS.

Of course, characters in fictional stories aren't real.  But they should feel real.  Give them relatable characteristics and genuine problems and concerns.

3.      TALKING ABOUT THE WORK-IN-PROGRESS.

It's natural to be enthusiastic about what you're writing, but talking about your WIP too much can lead to writer's block.

4.      RELYING ON PERFECT CONDITIONS TO WRITE.

Think about it.  Are you writing about perfect people in a perfect world?  Of course not.  So, why do you need perfect writing conditions?

5.      WORRYING ABOUT ALL THE BUSINESS STUFF.

Where do I get my cover done?  How do I get my book formatted?  How should I do a book launch?  What about marketing?  How do I find an agent?  Should I self-publish?  It is enough to kill creativity for good.  Write a good book and the rest slowly takes care of itself.

6.      PROVIDING A LACK OF CONFLICT.

We get attached to our characters.  Don’t be afraid to beat them up.  Make them struggle.  Give them losses and setbacks.  Break their hearts.  Have them suffer.  Show them at their lowest.  Make it seem like all hope it lost.  The reader wants to see them at their worst so they can appreciate them when they are at their best.

7.      TRYING TO WRITE FOR EVERYONE.

You can’t please everyone (and shouldn’t try.)  This is especially true for readers.

8.      NOT BEING BOLD ENOUGH.

Playing it safe and making a choice that you hope is popular, marketable, or mainstream rather than following your artistic vision, because of self-doubt.

9.      NEGLECTING RESEARCH.

You do not have to know everything about everything, but your characters must know what they are talking about.  Your world must have realism.  Your history must be accurate.

10.  NOT KNOWING WHEN TO SET A PROJECT ASIDE FOR A BIT.

Are things feeling bogged down?  Ideas not flowing?  Dialogue not fresh?  Imagery stiff?  It's OK to put a project to the side for some time to work on other projects.

11.  NOT GETTING THEIR WORK PROFESSIONALLY EDITED.

Regardless of genre, NO successful writers submit their own first draft; it always goes through revision with an objective and experienced professional.

12.  EDITING WHILE WRITING.

On the opposite end of that spectrum, a writer can get too focused on revision while writing and never finishing that first draft.

13.  NOT using WHATEVER SPARE TIME AVAILABLE.

Some writers have the luxury of a set writing schedule and can dedicate enough time each week.  Many writers, however, must squeeze their time out of a busy and chaotic day. 

14.  OMITTING SENSORY DETAILS.

Of course, adding details about what the character heard, saw, tasted, smelled, and touched completes the picture you are painting for the reader.  Don’t forget to include the passage of time, the sense of danger, the character’s “gut” reactions, flashes of intuition, and hunger.

15.  MISUSING DIALOGUE TAGS.

Ninety-five percent of the time you are perfectly fine to use, "said." There may be a very specific reason that reveals character, gives the reader a clue, or distinguishes two otherwise similar speakers why use something other than “said.”  Just remember to keep it sensible. 

16.   GIVING UP.

I will not give a motivational speech or any type of TED Talk.  How about stating a simple fact?  The demand for printed words is greater than the current supply.  If you can create something of quality, it WILL sell.  PERIOD.  How’s that for motivating?  Your book is in demand.  If it is good, It will sell.  Just finish it.

17.   RESEARCHING TOO MUCH.

Research is good, but it can also be an excuse for not writing.

18.   TRYING TO SHOCK.

Shock for the sake of shock feels contrived.  It must be in the context of the story and be justified by the narrative.

19.   PUTTING OFF SUBMISSIONS UNTIL IT IS “PERFECT”

At some point, you are going to have to let go of your baby and trust in the process.  You will never publish if you don’t submit.

20.   FOLLOWING WRITING "RULES" TOO CLOSELY.

Think of them more like guidelines. When the work demands it, you can bend the rules.  If your writing style benefits from it, bend the rules.  If it sets you apart in a good way, bend the rules.

21.   NOT BRAGGING ABOUT THEIR BOOK ENOUGH.

In the query letter, the ad copy, the back cover blurb, or in social media, make sure you tell everyone how good the work is and why people should read it.  It is not a time to be cryptic or humble.

22.   INACCURATE GENRE LABELS.

Don’t promote a spy thriller as a romance just because the main character has a love interest.  Try to stay true to genre labels, the reader will appreciate it.

23.   CHASING FADS.

Typically, the fad ends before a book is published.

24.   HALLOW CHARACTERS.

Characters without any dimension can kill your story.  Take your time developing them.  Give them plenty of quirks, interesting traits, deep-seated needs, flaws, heroic qualities, and likeable details.

Eric Myers

Send a sample of your work for a free editing and critique.  Submit One Thousand words to:

submissions@warpspeedediting.com

Responses are usually within twenty-four hours.

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