Not tying the setting to the mood or plot. If you're writing a horror story set in a mansion, the description should create an atmosphere of dread. A wrong way would be to describe it as a bright and cheery place. It should be something like 'The mansion loomed in the darkness, its broken windows like empty eyes, and the creaking floorboards seemed to whisper of forgotten terrors.'
Over - description is a common mistake. Writers might go into too much detail about every single thing in the setting, which can make the story feel bogged down. For instance, instead of listing every single flower in a garden, it's better to focus on the overall impression like 'The garden was a riot of color and fragrance.'
Using clichéd descriptions. Saying 'The desert was a vast expanse of sand' is too common. Try to be more creative, such as 'The desert stretched out like a sea of gold, the dunes undulating in the heat - haze like the waves of an infernal ocean, with the occasional cactus standing sentinel like a green - spiked alien.'
Describe the elements in detail. Take a city setting. You might say 'The city was a maze of tall, grey buildings that seemed to touch the sky. The streets were filled with a cacophony of honking cars, shouting vendors, and the constant hum of people going about their business. Neon signs flickered in the windows of seedy bars and high - end boutiques alike.'
A big mistake is having inconsistent or illogical world-building. The setting and rules of the fictional world should make sense and be consistent throughout. Another is using too much exposition or info-dumping, which can bog down the narrative and make it less engaging.
One common mistake is ending too abruptly. For instance, just saying 'He died' without any build - up or explanation can leave the reader feeling unsatisfied.
Avoiding inconsistent pacing is crucial. Sometimes the story might move too fast or too slow, making the reading experience uneven. Also, not proofreading thoroughly for grammar and spelling errors can turn readers off.
Another mistake is creating flat characters. Readers need to be able to relate to or be interested in the characters. If they're one-dimensional, it can make the novel less engaging. Also, not editing thoroughly can lead to grammar and spelling errors that detract from the quality of the work.
Don't rush the plot. Make sure it unfolds naturally and keeps the readers engaged.
One common mistake is poor character development. If the characters aren't fleshed out and relatable, readers won't be engaged.
One common mistake is having a weak plot. If the plot lacks direction or is too predictable, readers will lose interest. Another mistake is creating flat characters. Characters without depth or growth are not appealing. Also, over - using complex language just to seem sophisticated can be a turn - off for readers.
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 big no-no is having a predictable plot. YA readers want excitement and surprises.