Terrible Mistakes Good Writers Avoid
There’s only one thing worse than a writer who doubts their own abilities: a writer who believes they make no mistakes. People usually aren't even aware that they make these common errors. By simply identifying the problem, it can be much easier to break out of these habits, whether you’re a first time writer, or a self-published author.
When writers use adverbs in every paragraph, it becomes weak, lazy writing. If you use a strong, specific verb, you will usually have no need to use an adverb. Writers do use adverbs sparingly, and if you find yourself in that situation, don’t ever use an intensifier on the adverb. Intensifiers include very, really, and extremely.
Ex) Weak: “Let’s go to the pool,” suggested Sally really loudly.
Strong: “Let’s go to the pool,” hollered Sally.
2 Telling, and not showing
It is boring for a reader to listen to a narrator telling them everything that’s happening. Readers want to experience the action along with the character. Using the reader’s senses (sights, noises, smells, tastes, textures, temperatures) will turn facts into experiences, and exposition into action. Your stories will begin to pop with color when you jettison telling, and start showing.
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