Mistakes can also include having a weak opening or ending. The beginning should grab the reader's attention, and the end should leave them with something to think about. Another error is not making the conflict clear. In a short story, especially in first - person, the conflict that the narrator faces should be evident early on. And be careful with the use of flashbacks. If not done well, they can disrupt the flow of the story.
A big mistake is not establishing the narrator's personality clearly enough. The reader should have a good sense of who the narrator is from the start. Also, not paying attention to the pacing. If the story moves too quickly or too slowly, it can lose the reader's interest. And don't forget about the setting. In a first - person story, the narrator's perception of the setting is important, so describe it in a way that fits the character. For example, a detective might notice details that an ordinary person would miss.
One common mistake is over - explaining. Don't tell the reader every single thought. Let them figure some things out. Another is having an inconsistent voice. If your narrator is supposed to be a shy person, they can't suddenly be super confident. Also, avoid using too many clichés. Instead of 'it was a dark and stormy night', be more creative. And don't make the story too long - it's a short story after all.
Avoid sending your story without proper proofreading. Spelling and grammar mistakes can be a big turn - off. Also, don't submit to a publisher without researching what they publish. You don't want to send a science - fiction story to a publisher that only focuses on romance. And don't forget to keep a copy of your story. You never know what might happen during the submission process.
A common mistake is having too many sub - plots that overcomplicate the story. Keep it simple at first. Another is not having a clear goal for the main character. If the character's actions don't lead to something specific, the story can feel aimless. Also, avoid starting the plot too late. Hook the reader from the very beginning.
One common mistake is not having a clear goal for the story. Know where you want the story to end up. Another is trying to copy someone else's style too much. Your voice should be unique. Also, don't get bogged down in details in the beginning. For example, spending too much time describing a character's appearance when you should be focusing on the story's action.
When editing your first draft novel, avoid overlooking the importance of dialogue tags. Using the same ones repeatedly, like 'he said' all the time, can make the writing seem dull. Also, be careful with POV (point of view). Make sure it remains consistent throughout the story. And don't rush the editing process. It's easy to miss things if you're in a hurry. Take your time to go through each page thoroughly.
One common mistake is not having a clear plot. If your story meanders without a clear direction, readers will get lost. Another is creating flat characters. They should have depth and complexity. Also, overusing clichés can make your novel seem unoriginal.
One common mistake is over - using the word 'I'. It can become repetitive and annoying. Another is having an inconsistent voice. The character's personality should be consistent throughout the story. Also, not making the character believable. If the character's actions or thoughts don't seem real, it ruins the story. For example, if a shy character suddenly becomes super confident without any reason, it's not good.
One common mistake is starting with too much backstory. For example, 'I grew up in a small town where nothing much happened. I went to school, had some friends, and then...' This can bore the reader right away. Keep it concise at the start.
One common mistake is having too many characters. It can get confusing for the reader. Another is a weak plot. Make sure there is a real conflict and a resolution. Also, avoid using overly complicated language just for the sake of it. Simple and clear is often better. And don't forget to proofread for spelling and grammar errors.
One common mistake is making the monolouge too self - indulgent. It should serve the story and the character development, not just be a random rant. Another mistake is inconsistent voice. If your character is a simple - minded farmer, don't use overly complex vocabulary in their monolouge. Also, avoid over - explaining. Let the reader figure some things out on their own through the character's thoughts.