20 Common Fiction Writing Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Embarking on the journey of fiction writing is an exhilarating endeavor, a venture into the boundless realm of creativity where imagination takes the reins. However, even the most seasoned writers have stumbled through the pitfalls of common mistakes, especially when they were just starting. In this comprehensive guide, we will unravel the intricacies of common fiction writing mistakes that often plague new writers and provide valuable insights on how to sidestep these pitfalls.
This article may contain affiliate links. This means we might make a small commission on anything you buy through a link on this page. This comes at no extra cost to you. Commissions help us to run our free 7 Day Story Writing Challenges.
Lack of Planning and Structure
One of the most prevalent errors new writers make is diving headfirst into the writing process without a solid plan. The absence of a well-thought-out structure can lead to aimless narratives, inconsistent character arcs, and a lack of cohesion in the storyline. Before setting pen to paper or fingers to keyboard, take the time to outline your plot, establish your characters, and envision the overall structure of your story. A well-organized roadmap will not only streamline your writing process but also enhance the coherence and impact of your narrative. However, it's worth noting that some writers, known as 'pantsers,' thrive without extensive planning. While finding your own process is key, many beginners benefit from structured plotting to avoid common pitfalls. While the specific details may vary based on individual preferences and writing styles, here's a general guide to help you develop a structured plan for your narrative:
Define Your Concept:
Clearly articulate the core idea or concept of your story. What is the central theme or message you want to convey? What sets your narrative apart?
Create a Premise or Logline:
Summarize your story in a sentence or two. This concise statement should encapsulate the main conflict, characters, and stakes.
Develop Your Characters:
Create detailed profiles for your main characters, including their backgrounds, motivations, and arcs. Consider their strengths, weaknesses, and how they contribute to the overall narrative.
Outline the Plot:
Structure your story by outlining the major events and plot points. Identify key turning points, conflicts, and the resolution. This can be as detailed or as broad as you prefer.
Example:
Act 1: Introduce the protagonist and their ordinary world.
Act 2: Present the central conflict and obstacles.
Act 3: Escalate tension and lead toward the climax.
Act 4: Resolve the conflict and provide a conclusion.
Establish Setting and Atmosphere:
Describe the world in which your story unfolds. Consider the time period, locations, and any unique elements that contribute to the atmosphere.
Build Scenes and Sequences:
Break down your plot into scenes and sequences. Specify the purpose of each scene and how it contributes to character development or plot progression.
Consider Themes and Motifs:
Identify overarching themes and motifs that resonate with your story. This can add depth and cohesion to your narrative.
Create a Timeline:
Establish a timeline for your story, indicating when major events occur. This helps maintain chronological consistency and ensures a logical progression.
Develop Subplots:
Integrate subplots that complement the main narrative. These can add complexity, depth, and additional challenges for your characters.
Revise and Refine:
Be open to revising your plan as needed. Writing often reveals new possibilities, and your initial plan may evolve during the creative process.
2. Flat and Unconvincing Characters
Compelling characters are the lifeblood of any great fiction piece. New writers often fall into the trap of creating one-dimensional characters that lack depth, complexity, and relatability. To avoid this mistake, invest time in developing well-rounded characters with distinct personalities, motivations, and flaws. Allow your characters to evolve throughout the story, facing challenges that test and reshape them. Readers are drawn to characters they can empathize with, so ensure that your protagonists and antagonists are more than mere caricatures. Complex characters are the heartbeat of memorable fiction, and many renowned works showcase the depth and intricacies of human nature through their characters. Here are a few examples:
Holden Caulfield - "The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger:
Holden Caulfield is a quintessential example of a complex character. His internal struggles, rebellious nature, and disdain for societal norms make him both relatable and enigmatic. The novel explores his journey through the challenges of adolescence and the loss of innocence.
Jay Gatsby - "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald:
Jay Gatsby embodies the American Dream's complexity. A mysterious millionaire with a tumultuous past, Gatsby is driven by unrequited love and an unwavering belief in the possibility of reinvention. His character symbolizes the illusions and disillusionments inherent in the pursuit of dreams.
Hannibal Lecter - "The Silence of the Lambs" by Thomas Harris:
Hannibal Lecter is a highly complex and intellectually sophisticated character. A brilliant psychiatrist and a cannibalistic serial killer, Lecter challenges conventional notions of morality and psychology. His enigmatic nature and layered personality contribute to the psychological depth of the story.
Lisbeth Salander - "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" by Stieg Larsson:
Lisbeth Salander is a complex and unconventional protagonist. A skilled hacker with a troubled past, Salander defies societal norms and challenges the expectations placed on women. Her resilience, intelligence, and emotional depth make her a compelling and multifaceted character.
Severus Snape - "Harry Potter" series by J.K. Rowling:
Severus Snape is a character whose complexities are gradually unveiled throughout the series. Initially portrayed as an antagonist, Snape's true motivations, conflicted loyalties, and sacrifices reveal the intricacies of his character. His journey from perceived villainy to unexpected heroism adds depth to the narrative.
Scarlett O'Hara - "Gone with the Wind" by Margaret Mitchell:
Scarlett O'Hara is a complex Southern belle whose resilience and determination make her a fascinating character. As she navigates the challenges of the Civil War and Reconstruction era, Scarlett evolves from a headstrong young woman to a symbol of survival in the face of adversity.
Tyler Durden - "Fight Club" by Chuck Palahniuk:
Tyler Durden is a complex character representing rebellion and disillusionment. As the alter ego of the unnamed narrator, Tyler challenges societal norms and consumer culture. His character raises existential questions about identity and the search for meaning in a modern world.
Ebenezer Scrooge - "A Christmas Carol" by Charles Dickens:
Ebenezer Scrooge undergoes a profound transformation from a miserly, cold-hearted individual to a generous and compassionate soul. His character illustrates the potential for redemption and personal growth, making him a timeless symbol of the Christmas spirit.
If you want more information on creating memorable characters, check out ‘How to Create Compelling Characters in Short Fiction’.
3. Overreliance on Clichés and Stereotypes
While clichés and stereotypes might seem like easy shortcuts to convey information, they can undermine the originality and authenticity of your work. New writers often lean on familiar tropes, unintentionally contributing to a lack of freshness in their storytelling. Challenge yourself to subvert expectations, breathe new life into tired conventions, and infuse your narrative with unique perspectives. This will not only captivate your audience but also set your work apart in a saturated literary landscape. Here are some examples of common clichés that writers should be cautious of using:
Love Conquers All:
The notion that love can magically solve all problems is a well-worn cliché. Instead of relying on this trope, explore the complexities of relationships and acknowledge that challenges and growth are inherent.
The Chosen One:
The "Chosen One" trope, where a single individual is destined to save the world, has been extensively used. Subvert expectations by introducing a diverse group of characters or exploring the idea that greatness can emerge from unexpected sources.
The Mentor's Sacrifice:
The mentor sacrificing themselves for the protagonist's growth is a cliché often seen in various genres. Consider alternative paths for mentorship, where characters learn and evolve together without resorting to predictable sacrifices.
The Mysterious Stranger:
A mysterious stranger arriving in a small town or entering a protagonist's life is a cliché that can feel formulaic. Try introducing complexity by revealing unexpected motives or challenging the initial perceptions of this enigmatic character.
Damsel in Distress:
The damsel in distress waiting to be rescued is an outdated trope. Empower your female characters by giving them agency and multifaceted roles within the narrative. Consider subverting expectations by having characters of any gender take on unexpected roles.
The Evil Twin:
The appearance of an evil twin or doppelgänger is a cliché that can feel contrived. Instead, explore more nuanced conflicts and antagonists, avoiding the simplicity of the "good vs. evil" dynamic.
The Last-Minute Save:
The hero swooping in at the last moment to save the day is a cliché that can lack tension. Introduce unexpected setbacks or explore consequences, adding depth to the narrative beyond predictable resolutions.
The Prophecy:
Prophecies that foretell a hero's destiny are common clichés. Consider subverting this trope by exploring the consequences of prophecies or challenging the idea that fate is predetermined.
The Misunderstood Villain:
The villain with a tragic past or misunderstood motives has become a cliché. Challenge yourself to create villains with genuine complexity, motivations, and, at times, irredeemable qualities.
The Perfectly Timed Coincidence:
Relying on perfectly timed coincidences to resolve conflicts can feel contrived. Instead, build tension through character agency and choices, allowing the plot to unfold organically.
4. Weak Dialogue and Excessive Exposition
Crafting compelling dialogue is an art form that new writers may find challenging. Dialogue should be natural, dynamic, and purposeful, revealing character traits and advancing the plot. Avoid using dialogue solely as a means of conveying information, as this can lead to clunky exposition and stilted conversations. Show, don't tell, and let your characters' words reveal their personalities and motivations organically. Strive for authenticity, ensuring that your characters speak in a manner consistent with their backgrounds and experiences. For more on writing great dialogue, check out this blog post.
5. Inconsistent Tone and Voice
Maintaining a consistent tone and voice throughout your narrative is crucial for creating a cohesive reading experience. New writers may struggle to find their unique voice or unintentionally shift tones, leading to jarring transitions for the reader. Pay attention to the atmosphere and style you want to convey, and ensure that it remains consistent across chapters. Experiment with different voices until you discover the one that resonates with your narrative and enhances the overall impact of your storytelling.
6. Neglecting the Importance of Setting
The setting of a story is more than just a backdrop; it serves as a dynamic and integral element that can shape the tone and atmosphere of your narrative. New writers may overlook the significance of a well-developed setting, resulting in a lack of immersion for the reader. Take the time to vividly describe your story's environment, incorporating sensory details that evoke a palpable sense of place. Whether it's a bustling city, a mysterious forest, or a quaint village, the setting should come alive, becoming a character in its own right.
7. Rushed or Prolonged Pacing
Achieving the right pacing in a fiction piece is a delicate balancing act. New writers often grapple with pacing issues, either rushing through key events or dwelling too long on insignificant details. To avoid this mistake, be mindful of the rhythm and flow of your narrative. Use pacing strategically to build tension during climactic moments and allow for moments of reflection during quieter scenes. Experiment with the ebb and flow of your story, ensuring that each beat serves a purpose in advancing the plot or developing characters.
8. Lack of Conflict and Stakes
A gripping story thrives on conflict and tension. New writers may shy away from inflicting hardship on their characters, fearing the consequences of their suffering. However, conflict is essential for character growth and narrative engagement. Introduce challenges, obstacles, and dilemmas that push your characters out of their comfort zones. Establish stakes that resonate with the reader, creating a sense of urgency and investment in the outcome. Without conflict, a story can become stagnant and fail to capture the reader's interest.
9. Ignoring the Revision Process
The initial draft is just the beginning of the writing journey, and new writers often underestimate the importance of thorough revision. Neglecting the revision process can result in overlooked errors, inconsistencies, and missed opportunities for improvement. Set aside dedicated time to review and refine your work, seeking feedback from beta readers or writing groups. Embrace constructive criticism and be open to making substantial revisions to enhance the overall quality of your story. A polished manuscript is a testament to a writer's dedication and commitment to excellence.
10. Neglecting the Power of Show, Don't Tell
The age-old adage "show, don't tell" remains a cornerstone of effective storytelling, yet new writers frequently struggle to strike the right balance. Telling the reader what is happening may seem more straightforward, but it often leads to a lack of engagement. Instead, immerse your audience in the sensory experience of the narrative by showing actions, emotions, and details. Allow readers to draw their own conclusions and feel a deeper connection to the story through vivid and evocative descriptions. Here are some examples of show, don’t tell:
Telling: Providing a direct statement about a character's emotion.
Showing: Describing the character's body language, actions, and subtle details to convey the emotion, allowing readers to experience it more deeply.
Telling: Stating a fact about the weather.
Showing: Painting a vivid picture through descriptive elements, engaging the readers' senses and immersing them in the atmospheric setting.
Telling: Directly stating a character's emotional state.
Showing: Depicting physical manifestations of the emotion, enabling readers to sense the intensity without explicit narration.
Telling: Using an adjective to describe a room.
Showing: Employing sensory details to create an atmosphere, allowing readers to infer the room's age and ambiance.
Telling: Declaring the beauty of a sunset.
Showing: Evoking visual imagery and emotions through descriptive language, enabling readers to experience the beauty rather than being told about it.
For a more in-depth exploration of "show, don't tell," readers can check out our blog post that delves deeper into this essential writing technique.
11. Disregarding the Importance of Theme
Theme provides the underlying framework that gives depth and meaning to a story. New writers may neglect to consciously consider the themes woven into their narratives, resulting in a lack of coherence and resonance. Identify the central themes of your story early on and ensure that they are consistently and purposefully threaded throughout the plot, characters, and symbolism. A well-explored theme can elevate your fiction, providing readers with a thought-provoking and memorable experience.
"The Shawshank Redemption" (Movie):
Thematic Focus: Hope and Redemption
This film, based on a Stephen King novella, explores themes of hope, friendship, and the possibility of redemption within the harsh confines of a prison. It emphasizes the transformative power of maintaining one's humanity in dire circumstances.
"1984" by George Orwell (Book):
Thematic Focus: Totalitarianism and Individualism
George Orwell's dystopian novel delves into the dangers of unchecked government power, surveillance, and the suppression of individual thought. It remains a powerful exploration of themes related to political oppression and the struggle for personal freedom.
"The Matrix" (Movie):
Thematic Focus: Reality and Perception
This sci-fi film challenges the nature of reality and perception, exploring themes of existentialism and the blurring lines between what is real and what is simulated. The narrative encourages viewers to question the nature of their own existence.
"The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald (Book):
Thematic Focus: The American Dream and Excess
F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel critiques the illusion of the American Dream, particularly its association with wealth, excess, and social status. Themes of disillusionment and the pursuit of an unattainable ideal are woven throughout the narrative.
"To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee (Book):
Thematic Focus: Justice and Morality
Harper Lee's classic novel delves into themes of racial injustice and moral growth, exploring the complexities of right and wrong in the context of a racially charged courtroom drama in the American South.
These works are celebrated for their thought-provoking exploration of themes, adding depth and resonance to the stories they tell. If you want to know more about incorporating themes into your stories, check out our blog post.
12. Lack of Character Agency
Inexperienced writers often fall into the trap of making characters mere spectators in their own stories. Character agency, the ability of a character to drive the plot forward through their actions and decisions, is crucial for reader engagement. Avoid the mistake of creating passive protagonists who merely react to events. Instead, empower your characters to make choices that impact the narrative. Allow them to face consequences, take risks, and drive the story forward with their agency, creating a dynamic and compelling reading experience.
13. Excessive Use of Adverbs
While adverbs can be useful for adding nuance to writing, relying on them excessively can weaken the impact of your prose. New writers often fall into the trap of using adverbs as a crutch to convey emotions or actions, neglecting the potential for more vivid and descriptive language. Instead of relying on adverbs, opt for strong verbs and precise adjectives to convey the desired tone and emotion. This not only tightens your writing but also enhances the reader's experience by painting a more vivid picture.
14. Poor Handling of Backstory
Incorporating backstory is essential for character development, but mishandling it can disrupt the narrative flow. New writers may make the mistake of infodumping—presenting large chunks of backstory in one go, disrupting the pacing of the story. Instead, sprinkle relevant details throughout the narrative, integrating backstory seamlessly into the present events. Trust your readers to piece together the puzzle over time, creating a more immersive and engaging reading experience without overwhelming them with unnecessary information.
15. Inconsistent Point of View and Head Hopping (POV)
Many emerging writers often embark on their creative journeys without a solid grasp of point of view (POV). As a result, they may find themselves crafting numerous short stories or even novels that inadvertently hop between various characters' viewpoints. This lack of understanding can lead to confusion and a muddled narrative. It's common for writers to navigate this challenge as they learn more about the importance of maintaining a consistent point of view throughout a story. Mastering POV is a crucial aspect of refining one's storytelling skills, contributing to a more cohesive and engaging narrative. Furthermore, any story or novel that has point of view issues will almost certainly be rejected by literary agents and publishers.
16. Including Too Many Points of View
Frequent shifts in point of view (POV) within a story can be a tempting tool for writers, offering diverse perspectives. However, it's crucial to recognize that each POV introduces a new narrative layer, akin to adding a new character's story. While switching POV is acceptable when essential, unnecessary shifts can dilute focus and strain reader engagement. A single, well-developed perspective often proves more potent, fostering a deeper connection between readers and characters. Maintaining a cohesive narrative thread through a singular lens enhances clarity and allows readers to immerse themselves more profoundly in the protagonist's journey, fostering a more impactful and resonant storytelling experience.
17. Issues of Tense
Maintaining consistent tense throughout a narrative is essential for creating a seamless and immersive reading experience. New writers may inadvertently switch between past, present, and future tenses, leading to confusion for the reader. Be vigilant about choosing and sticking to a specific tense that aligns with your storytelling goals. If you decide to tell your story in the past tense, ensure that all verbs and narrative elements consistently reflect this choice. Consistent tense usage contributes to the overall cohesiveness of your writing, allowing readers to engage with the story without distractions.
18. Failing to Show Character Growth
Characters should evolve and grow throughout the course of a story. However, new writers may make the mistake of keeping characters stagnant, missing opportunities for development. To create compelling narratives, allow your characters to face challenges, learn from experiences, and undergo transformative journeys. Chart their emotional arcs, showcasing the evolution of their beliefs, values, and relationships. By emphasizing character growth, you not only enrich your storytelling but also provide readers with a more satisfying and resonant narrative experience. For more on creating characters arcs, check out this extensive blog post on Creating Character Arcs Even in Short Fiction.
19. Overlooking the Importance of Atmosphere
The atmosphere of a story contributes significantly to its overall impact, setting the mood and tone for the reader. New writers may underestimate the power of atmosphere, resulting in narratives that feel flat or lack emotional resonance. Pay attention to sensory details, descriptive language, and the overall ambiance of your scenes. Consider how elements such as weather, lighting, and background sounds can enhance the atmosphere and immerse readers in the world you've created. A carefully crafted atmosphere not only heightens the reader's experience but also adds depth and authenticity to your storytelling.
20. Premature Submission to Publishers, Contests, or Literary Agents
Submitting a manuscript prematurely is a pitfall that many aspiring writers fall into. In the eagerness to share their work with the world, writers may overlook the importance of thorough editing and revision. Before submitting your manuscript to publishers, contests, or literary agents, take the time to polish and refine your work. Seek feedback from beta readers or writing groups, and consider hiring a professional editor to ensure your manuscript is in its best possible shape. Making a strong first impression is crucial in the competitive world of publishing, so resist the urge to rush the submission process and give your work the attention it deserves.
It's important to point out that only a very small percentage (less than 1%) of novels ever get traditionally published. However, this statistic is influenced by the fact that most submissions are not of publishable quality. The number of well-written manuscripts that don't have significant issues (such as point of view problems), have been thorough rewritten and revised, had adequate editing, and are presented and submitted properly, is actually astonishingly small. By taking the time to refine and perfect your manuscript, you significantly increase your chances of standing out in the competitive publishing landscape.