Writing can be a tricky business, and even the most experienced writers can make mistakes. But don't worry, I'm here to help you avoid some of the most common pitfalls in writing. Whether you're just starting out or you've been writing for years, these tips will help you improve your writing and avoid some of the most common mistakes.
1. Grammatical errors: Grammar mistakes can be distracting for readers and can make your writing seem unprofessional. To avoid this, make sure you proofread your work carefully or even use a grammar checker tool. Grammarly and ProWritingAid are some tools that may help you fix some obvious grammatical errors. You can also use a style guide. A style guide, such as the Chicago Manual of Style or AP Stylebook, can provide guidelines for proper grammar usage and formatting.
2. Passive voice: Overusing passive voice can make your writing sound dull and lifeless. To avoid this, look for sentences where the subject is being acted upon, rather than performing the action. If you’re having a hard time finding the sentences written in passive voice, try “by zombies” test. Put “by zombies” after the verb, and if the sentence makes sense, then your sentence is written in the passive voice. Don’t use weak verbs like "be," "have," or "do," use more specific and descriptive verbs that convey action. And aim for an active voice which brings your writing to life and engages your reader.
3. Clichés: Avoid clichés like the plague! They can be tempting to use, but they don't add anything new to your writing and can make it feel stale. Don't be afraid to think outside the box and come up with creative ways to express your ideas. Use metaphors, similes, and other literary devices to add interest and depth to your writing. Try to find your own voice and don’t hold back.
4. Overusing adjectives and adverbs: Too many adjectives and adverbs can clutter up your writing and make it hard to read. Instead, use strong verbs and nouns to convey your message. Use sensory language to create vivid imagery and engage your readers' senses. This can help you convey a lot of information without relying on adjectives and adverbs.
5. Over-explaining: Sometimes less is more. Avoid going off on tangents or including unnecessary information that doesn't contribute to the main point. Trust your readers to understand what's going on without feeling the need to explain everything in detail.
6. Too much exposition: Don't overwhelm your readers with exposition. Instead, focus on showing rather than telling. Yes, the famous “Show, don’t tell”. Remember, "show, don't tell" doesn't mean you can't ever tell the reader anything. Sometimes, it's necessary to provide context or background information to help the reader understand the story. However, by using descriptive language and sensory details, you can make your writing more engaging and memorable for your readers.
7. Poor pacing: Make sure your story has a good pace. Outlining your story helps you create a pace. If each chapter has a goal, your story will have a better pace. Another reason for poor pacing is the lack of rhythm in writing. Using sentences of varying lengths can help keep the pacing lively and engaging.
8. Inconsistency: Keep your story consistent in terms of tone, pacing, and characterization. You can take notes of the character’s descriptions, personalities, and goals.
9. Lack of conflict: Conflict is the heart of any good story. Make sure your characters face obstacles and challenges to keep your story engaging. Ensure that your protagonist has a clear and compelling goal. This goal should be challenging enough that it requires effort and struggle to achieve it. But just giving your protagonist to face some conflicts wouldn’t be enough. Your supporting characters can also face challenges and obstacles of their own. These challenges can intersect with the protagonist's challenges, creating tension and conflict between characters. It may also add subplot to your story.
10. Ignoring Feedback: If you do receive feedback on your writing, it's important to take it into consideration and use it to improve your work. Be open to constructive criticism and use it to grow as a writer. Having beta-readers is a great opportunity to grow as a writer.
Remember, making mistakes is a natural part of the writing process, but with these tips, you can avoid some of the most common errors and improve your writing.
Happy writing!
Abby xx
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