3 Things That Destroy Your Writing
Avoid These Common Mistakes
Have you ever wondered how someone could write wrong when there's no wrong way to write?
It's more common than you think and I know you've experienced it for yourself - those books that you were looking forward to reading because they're all anyone can talk about in your reading groups -
But then you finally get your hands on them and halfway through you're trying to figure out just how anyone could have read and enjoyed it when all you want to do is bring it back to the store and get your money back - adding it to the dreadful DNF list on your Goodreads.
Unfortunately, certain things can destroy your writing and any chance of your reader leaving you that gold star review.
Poor Pacing
One of the most critical aspects of writing is the pacing of your story. If the pacing is off events can seem to drag on for your reader or feel as if they've been rushed right through the story.
There have been a few stories I've read where I've been tempted to just start skipping pages and sat wondering when they were just going to get on with the task that they were supposed to be doing - I mean there's a dragon to slay why are they spending three days wandering around the marketplace buying bread and shiny trinkets when the dragon has the princess.
Weak Character Development
Your characters are the heart and soul of your story. They are who your readers come to the page to see, to route for, to cry for, and to be alongside as they face the hard times you've set them up to go through.
Your characters should not come out the other side of your story the same person they were at the beginning.
To avoid writing weak characters make sure to make them as realistic as you can. Give them backstories, personalities, motivations as well as strengths, weaknesses, desires, and fears. Give them a reason behind each action and make their actions believable.
Inconsistent Plotting
The Princess was gifted a magic necklace that allows her to teleport from anywhere in the world back to the safety of her castle - then why didn't she use it when she was kidnapped by the dragon!? Would have saved the knights from the whole perilous journey.
Plots filled with holes, contradictions, and unexplained inconsistencies that leave readers scratching their heads trying to figure them out aren't going to be an enjoyable experience for anyone involved.
No one likes a plot that's riddled with holes - it's a book not a piece of cheese.
Read carefully through your work as you edit asking yourself questions along the way
And make sure to remember that plot twists are only enjoyable if they make sense.
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Best of luck!
With love,
B.K. xo xo
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This story was originally posted on Medium.
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About the Creator
Elise L. Blake
Elise is a full-time writing coach and novelist. She is a recent college graduate from Southern New Hampshire University where she earned her BA in Creative Writing.
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Comments (2)
Thank you! I have yet to think much about the pacing while editing. I appreciate this advice, as it is rarely given.
All good points to remember.