13.2 Common Writing Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
2 min read•august 6, 2024
Writing pitfalls can trip up even seasoned authors. From to , these common mistakes can weaken your work. But don't worry – with practice and awareness, you can avoid these traps.
Recognizing and fixing issues like , , and will strengthen your writing. By showing instead of telling and weaving in information naturally, you'll create more engaging stories that captivate readers.
Ineffective Writing Techniques
Weak Sentence Structure
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- Passive voice constructions place the object of the action before the subject, making sentences less direct and engaging (The ball was thrown by the boy)
- Weak verbs lack specificity and fail to convey strong actions or emotions, resulting in bland writing (went, did, was)
- Telling words explicitly state emotions or actions rather than allowing the reader to infer them through description and dialogue (He was angry)
- can clutter sentences and often indicates that stronger verbs could be used instead (He ran quickly vs. He sprinted)
Stylistic Pitfalls
- involves using more words than necessary to convey an idea, leading to bloated and convoluted sentences
- Clichés are overused phrases or expressions that have lost their originality and impact due to excessive repetition (time heals all wounds, every cloud has a silver lining)
- occurs when the same information is repeated unnecessarily, either through synonyms or restating ideas (The car was red in color)
- Purple prose is overly descriptive, flowery language that draws attention to itself rather than serving the story (Her eyes were glistening orbs of emerald green, shimmering with unshed tears)
Narrative Inconsistencies
- "" emphasizes the importance of conveying information through action, dialogue, and sensory details rather than direct exposition
- Showing allows readers to experience the story alongside the characters (She slammed the door and threw herself onto the bed, burying her face in the pillow)
- Telling simply states information without engaging the reader (She was upset)
- Inconsistent point of view shifts between different characters' perspectives or between first, second, and third-person narration, disorienting the reader
- Unintentional POV shifts can occur within a single scene or paragraph
- Intentional POV shifts should be clearly signaled through scene or chapter breaks
- involve unintentionally switching between past, present, and future tenses within a narrative, disrupting the flow and consistency of the story
- is the practice of providing large amounts of background information or exposition all at once, often through lengthy passages of narration or dialogue, rather than weaving it naturally throughout the story
Key Terms to Review (12)
Adverb Overuse: Adverb overuse refers to the excessive use of adverbs in writing, often leading to cluttered sentences and weakened prose. This pitfall can detract from the clarity and strength of the writing, as it may rely too heavily on modifiers instead of strong verbs and descriptive language that convey meaning more effectively.
Clichés: Clichés are phrases or expressions that have become overly familiar and predictable due to excessive use. They can diminish the originality of writing, making it less engaging and often seen as uninspired. Recognizing and avoiding clichés is essential for developing a unique voice and enhancing creativity in writing.
Inconsistent point of view: An inconsistent point of view occurs when a narrative shifts between different perspectives or viewpoints in a way that confuses the reader, disrupting the flow and coherence of the story. This often leads to a lack of clarity about whose thoughts and feelings are being conveyed, making it difficult for readers to connect with the characters and follow the plot.
Info dumping: Info dumping refers to the excessive and often overwhelming presentation of background information or details in a narrative, which can disrupt the flow of a story and disengage readers. This common pitfall occurs when writers provide too much information at once, rather than weaving it seamlessly into the plot through dialogue, action, or character development. Effective storytelling requires a balance, where information is revealed gradually and contextually, keeping readers engaged and invested in the unfolding narrative.
Overwriting: Overwriting refers to the practice of using excessive language, unnecessary detail, or overly complex structures that obscure the intended message in writing. This pitfall can distract readers and detract from the clarity and impact of the work, leading to confusion or disengagement. Avoiding overwriting is crucial for effective communication and maintaining reader interest.
Passive Voice: Passive voice is a grammatical construction where the subject of the sentence is acted upon rather than performing the action. This form often obscures who or what is responsible for the action, making sentences less direct and impactful. It can lead to vague writing, which is a common pitfall that writers should be aware of to create clear and engaging prose.
Purple prose: Purple prose refers to writing that is overly elaborate, flowery, or ornate, often at the expense of clarity and conciseness. This style can distract readers from the actual content and may come across as pretentious or self-indulgent. Writers should aim for a balance between vivid description and straightforward storytelling to keep their audience engaged.
Redundancy: Redundancy refers to the unnecessary repetition of ideas, phrases, or words in writing, which can clutter prose and dilute meaning. By avoiding redundancy, writers can create clearer and more concise text that engages readers effectively. Stripping away redundant elements enhances the overall flow and coherence of writing, making it more impactful.
Show, Don't Tell: Show, don't tell is a writing technique that encourages authors to illustrate a scene or emotion through vivid imagery and sensory details rather than simply stating facts or feelings. This approach engages readers, allowing them to experience the story on a deeper level by interpreting actions and senses instead of passively receiving information.
Tense shifts: Tense shifts refer to the inconsistent use of verb tenses within a piece of writing, which can confuse readers and disrupt the flow of a narrative. Maintaining a consistent tense is essential for clarity, as it helps establish the timeline of events and ensures that the reader can easily follow the story or argument being presented.
Weak sentence structure: Weak sentence structure refers to sentences that lack clarity, conciseness, or impact, often resulting in a muddled or ineffective communication of ideas. This kind of structure can make writing feel lifeless and can obscure the writer's intent, making it hard for readers to engage with the content. Strong sentence structure is crucial for effective writing, as it enhances readability and ensures that the writer's ideas are conveyed clearly.
Weak verbs: Weak verbs are those that do not convey strong action or meaning, often leading to vague or dull writing. They tend to lack specificity and can make sentences feel flat, detracting from the overall impact of the writing. Using weak verbs can result in a lack of clarity and engagement for the reader, making it important to replace them with more vivid and precise alternatives.