I've put together a list of six common mistakes that new authors often make when first starting out. Don't worry if you're guilty of some or all of these. Many authors, including myself, have made a few of these errors. With practice and research, I was able to overcome these common errors. However, what helped me the most was joining a critique group who didn't just tell me what I wanted to hear. They told me what I needed to hear to improve my craft.
Not understanding POV: Before beginning your first novel, it's crucial to understand POV (point of view). There are several types of POVs with many variations, and you should know the differences. It's very common for new authors to start off writing in omniscient. Omniscient is writing as an all-knowing narrator. This can create distance between the reader and the characters. Although as the author it's helpful to know all, it's not so great for creating an emotional connection or tension. Instead, you might want to explore the different POVs before starting your first chapter.
Check out this link for more information on POVs. https://www.masterclass.com/articles/complete-guide-to-point-of-view-in-writing-definitions-and-examples
Weak Introduction: This can mean your book starts with a cliched opening such as waking up, or the weather. It could also mean that the book starts in the wrong place. For example, your book begins with your characters doing mundane things or inundating the reader with unnecessary backstory before the action truly begins. It's important to remember that your job as an author is to hook the reader in the first paragraph.
Info Dumping: This occurs when a author gives the reader backstory in large chunks. A good rule of thumb is to only reveal to your reader what they need to understand the scene or a character's motivation. Otherwise, your book could turn into a history textbook that is all telling and no action.
Check out this link for more on info dumping.
Using Crutch Words: Crutch words are also referred to as filler words. They can make your writing less concise. Below are a few crutch words that I find annoying when they are overused.
AS: "As" can distance your reader from the characters and make your writing less concise.
For example, consider the following sentence. There is a lot wrong with it. LOL
As she was staring into his eyes, she tried to look for any kind of tell or tick that he was lying.
Now, let's rewrite it.
She stared into his eyes, seeking any kind of tell or tick that he lied.
Which sentence is more concise?
JUST: Nine times out of ten this word is unnecessary. Like the word "actually," "just" is a word people often use while speaking. In writing, this word can become repetitive if you're not careful.
BUT: As an editor, I see this word pop up frequently. Is there anything wrong with this word? No. However, there are many other words that can be used in its place.
However
Although
Even though
though
Except
Yet
Still
Only
Merely
Nevertheless
Telling instead of showing: Showing is using description and action to help the reader experience the story. Telling is when the author summarizes or uses exposition to simply tell the reader what is happening. When you show, the story unfolds naturally.
For example:
Telling: I went to a party. The music was loud. The beer tasted nasty.
Showing: I walked into the party. Immediately, I covered my ears. Music pumped through a speaker nearby, and the beat vibrated through my chest. A woman sidled up to me. "Here!" she shouted, handing me a beer. Foam dripped down the side of the red Solo cup. I took a swig and spat it out. Yuck! Was there was anything worse than warm ale?
Although more words were used to "show," the effect is more meaningful and the reader feels immersed in the story. In addition, the words "loud" and "nasty" were not used to tell the reader what is happening or what the character is feeling.
Wordiness: This means using more words than necessary.
For example:
He managed to get to his feet after being knocked over by the wave. The wind was blowing and made him shiver in his wet clothes.
Now, let's fix it:
He stood after being knocked over by the wave. The wind blew and he shivered in his wet clothes.
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