One common mistake is splitting it too randomly without a clear logic. This can make the back story seem disjointed.
One common mistake is making the back story too long and complicated. Keep it concise and relevant to the main story. Another is having a back story that doesn't match the character's actions. If your character is supposed to be brave but their back story makes them seem cowardly, it won't work. Also, avoid clichés. Don't make the character an orphan just because it's a common trope.
A big mistake when creating a character in a novel is making them a stereotype. Just having a typical jock or nerd character without adding any new twists or depth is dull. Lack of character arc is also an error. If a character doesn't change or grow throughout the story, there's no real development. And not considering the character's cultural and social background properly can lead to a character that feels out of place in the story's setting.
One common mistake is not varying the pace of the run. If it's always 'he ran' without any variation like 'he jogged', 'he sprinted' or 'he dashed', it can get boring. Another is not connecting the run to the character's emotions or the plot. For example, if a character is running just because the writer wants some action, but it doesn't serve any purpose in the story.
One common mistake is forgetting to include the author's name correctly. Another is getting the title formatting wrong, like using the wrong type of punctuation or capitalization. Also, not including the full publication details such as the publisher and year is a big error. Sometimes people might also forget to mention if the short story is part of a collection.
One common mistake is ending too abruptly. It can leave the readers feeling unsatisfied. For example, if you're writing a long adventure story and suddenly end it without resolving the main conflict, it's not good.
A common mistake is not paying enough attention to the character's backstory. Their past experiences can greatly influence how they respond to your advances. Another is being too pushy. Just like in real life, if you come on too strong in the game, the character may be put off. Also, ignoring the game's plot and just focusing on the romance can be a misstep as the story often ties in with the relationship development.
Avoid ending a short story too abruptly. For example, if you've built up a complex plot and then just stop without any real resolution, it will leave the reader feeling cheated. It's like you've been leading them on a journey and then suddenly cut it short without reaching the destination.
A big mistake is not knowing your audience. If you're writing for kids but use complex language, they won't understand. Lack of consistency in the story world is also an issue. For example, if magic works one way at the start and then differently later, it confuses the reader. And don't forget about pacing. If it's too slow, the reader will lose interest.
One common mistake is not following the submission guidelines properly. For example, if the guidelines state a specific word limit and you exceed it, your submission may be rejected immediately. Another mistake is poor grammar and spelling. It gives the impression of a lack of professionalism. Also, not tailoring the story to the target audience or the theme of the submission call can be a problem.
One common mistake is using very difficult words that are hard to understand. Another is speaking too fast, which makes it difficult for the listener to follow. Also, some people forget to add emotions to their voices when telling a story, making it seem dull.