Worst Amateur Writing Mistakes - Part III

Today we wrap up our 3 part series on the worst mistakes amateur writers make. By recognizing and rectifying these common pitfalls, you can elevate your writing to new heights. Each of these could be their own long post, but here's the quick and easy. From excessive use of adjectives and adverbs to proper formatting and structure, let's dive in.

Overuse of Adjectives and Adverbs

While adjectives and adverbs can enhance your writing by adding detail and description, overusing them can make your writing feel bloated and detract from the overall impact.

Adverbs modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs, but using too many (especially -ly words) can make your writing feel weak or imprecise. Instead of relying on adverbs to convey meaning, strive to choose strong verbs and precise language that can stand on their own. For example: “He quickly ran down the path.” What one, strong word can you use that means “quickly ran?”

By avoiding the overuse of adjectives and adverbs, you can create writing that is concise, impactful, and engaging.

Inconsistent Tense and Point of View

Inconsistencies in tense and point of view can confuse readers and disrupt the flow of your writing.

Most often the mistake here is switching between past and present tense within the same piece of writing. This inconsistency can be confusing to the reader. Choose a tense and stick to it throughout your piece, ensuring that all verbs and verb forms are consistent.

Another mistake we see with new writers is switching between different points of view (POV). POV refers to the perspective from which a story is told, whether it's first person (I, we), second person (you), or third person (he, she, they). This does not mean you can’t have multiple narrators’ POV. In these books, each chapter is a different narrator but the perspective of the story is the same. Choose a point of view and maintain it consistently throughout your piece.

By maintaining consistency in tense and point of view, you can create writing that is cohesive and easy to follow.

Lack of Proper Formatting and Structure

Neglecting formatting and structure is a huge no-no. It makes your manuscript feel sloppy. It’s difficult to read through and no editor/publisher will want to work with you until you tidy things up.

One mistake to avoid is neglecting paragraph breaks. Large blocks of text can be overwhelming and discourage readers from engaging with your writing. Break up your writing into paragraphs to create visual breaks and improve readability.

Additionally, failing to use headings and subheadings in writing makes reading difficult. Descriptive headings provide a clear structure to your writing and make it easier for readers to navigate through your content.

Lastly, pay attention to font choice and formatting consistency. Using a clear and legible font, along with consistent formatting choices such as font size and line spacing, can make your writing more visually appealing and professional.

Remember, writing is a craft that requires continuous practice and refinement. By avoiding these common mistakes and implementing the strategies discussed in this 3-part series, you can enhance your writing and captivate your audience with compelling and error-free content.