The 38 Most Common Fiction Writing Mistakes
A writer’s handbook for dodging pitfalls and enhancing fiction.
Summary of 7 Key Points
Key Points
- Don’t Make Excuses for Not Writing
- Show, Don’t Tell
- Develop Strong, Believable Characters
- Understand Point of View
- Avoid Unnecessary Digression
- Keep the Story Moving
- Craft Satisfying Endings
key point 1 of 7
Don’t Make Excuses for Not Writing
One of the most prevalent pitfalls that aspiring writers fall into is the habit of making excuses for not writing. The book emphasizes how easily one can allow everyday life, personal fears, insecurities, or even laziness to become barriers to writing. It points out that these excuses are often a form of self-sabotage, preventing writers from reaching their full potential. Common excuses include not having enough time, waiting for inspiration to strike, or fearing that the writing will not be good enough…Read&Listen More
key point 2 of 7
Show, Don’t Tell
The principle of ‘Show, Don’t Tell’ in fiction writing is advocated as a crucial technique for engaging the reader and bringing a story to life. Instead of merely informing the reader about what is happening, a writer should present scenes and actions that allow the reader to experience the events and emotions of the characters. By showing, the writer paints a picture in the reader’s mind, making the story more vivid and the characters’ experiences more real…Read&Listen More
key point 3 of 7
Develop Strong, Believable Characters
Developing strong, believable characters is essential in fiction writing. Characters should feel like real people with distinct personalities, voices, and behaviors. The author emphasizes that characters must have depth and dimensionality, rather than being mere caricatures or stereotypes. This means giving them a mix of strengths, weaknesses, desires, fears, and internal conflicts that drive their actions and decisions throughout the story…Read&Listen More
key point 4 of 7
Understand Point of View
Understanding point of view (POV) in fiction is critical for creating an immersive narrative. The author emphasizes that point of view is the perspective from which the story is told, and it can be first person, second person, or third person. Each POV offers different advantages and limitations. First person, for instance, allows readers to experience the story intimately through the narrator’s eyes, but is limited to what the narrator knows. Second person is rare and directly addresses the reader as ‘you’, making them a character in the story, while third person provides a wider perspective and can vary in depth of insight into characters’ thoughts and feelings…Read&Listen More
key point 5 of 7
Avoid Unnecessary Digression
Unnecessary digression happens when a writer veers off-topic, distracting from the main narrative and confusing the reader. The key point here is that every part of a story should contribute to the overall tale. When authors indulge in asides that don’t serve the plot or character development, they risk losing the reader’s attention and muddling the storyline. These detours can manifest as overly long descriptions, tangential characters who don’t impact the narrative, or irrelevant backstory that halts the forward momentum of the plot…Read&Listen More
key point 6 of 7
Keep the Story Moving
In the realm of fiction writing, maintaining a sense of momentum is crucial for keeping readers engaged. A common pitfall for writers is to inadvertently stall the story’s progress, which can lead to a loss of reader interest. The narrative should consistently push forward, making sure that each scene, character interaction, and piece of dialogue somehow contributes to the advancement of the plot. Meandering through unnecessary details, stagnant scenes, or irrelevant subplots can detract from the main storyline and should be avoided…Read&Listen More
key point 7 of 7
Craft Satisfying Endings
Crafting satisfying endings is a critical aspect of successful storytelling. An ending should feel like a natural culmination of the events and character arcs that came before it. It is not just about concluding the plot, but also about leaving the reader with a sense of closure and fulfillment. A writer should be cautious not to rush the ending, which could result in a conclusion that feels abrupt or unsatisfying. Instead, the ending should resonate with the thematic elements of the story and tie up loose ends in a way that is consistent with the world and the characters that have been developed…Read&Listen More