Fictional Fixation

Writing fiction is a thrilling journey full of creativity, emotion, and storytelling magic. But no matter how passionate or talented you are, every fiction author—whether a beginner or seasoned pro—makes mistakes along the way. The good news? These common pitfalls are completely avoidable once you know what to watch for!

In this post, I’ll walk you through the most frequent writing mistakes fiction authors make and, most importantly, how to dodge them like a pro. Whether you’re drafting your first novel or polishing your tenth, this guide will help you sharpen your craft and elevate your story to the next level.

1. Telling Instead of Showing

Mistake: One of the classic beginner mistakes is telling the reader what’s happening or how a character feels instead of showing it through action, dialogue, and sensory details. For example:

• Telling: John was angry.
• Showing: John slammed his fist on the table, his face flushed as he glared.

Why it matters: Showing pulls readers into the scene and lets them experience emotions firsthand, making your story more immersive.

How to avoid it:

• Use strong verbs and vivid descriptions.
• Show characters’ reactions and body language.
• Engage the senses—what do they see, hear, smell, taste, and feel?

2. Overusing Adjectives and Adverbs

Mistake: Relying too much on adjectives and adverbs can make your writing feel cluttered or weak. For example:

• Overuse: She walked slowly and nervously down the dark, scary hallway.
• Stronger: She crept down the shadowed hallway, heart pounding.

Why it matters: Good writing uses strong nouns and verbs that stand on their own without extra decoration.

How to avoid it:

• Replace weak verbs + adverbs with strong, specific verbs.
• Use adjectives sparingly, focusing on the most essential details.
• Edit your draft to cut unnecessary modifiers.

3. Flat or One-Dimensional Characters

Mistake: Characters who feel like stereotypes or lack depth make your story less engaging. Readers want to connect with characters who feel real, flawed, and dynamic.

Why it matters: Complex characters drive plot and emotional engagement.

How to avoid it:

• Give characters clear motivations, strengths, and weaknesses.
• Show their internal conflicts and growth arcs.
• Write detailed backstories, even if all details don’t appear in the story.

4. Inconsistent Point of View (POV)

Mistake: Switching between characters’ perspectives without clear signals or overusing head-hopping can confuse readers.

Why it matters: A consistent POV maintains clarity and reader immersion.

How to avoid it:

• Choose a POV style early (first person, third person limited, third person omniscient, etc.).
• Stick with one character’s perspective per scene or chapter.
• Use clear breaks if you switch POVs.

5. Info-Dumping

Mistake: Dumping too much background or world-building info all at once can stall the story and overwhelm readers.

Why it matters: Readers want to discover your world naturally through plot and character interaction.

How to avoid it:

• Weave world-building details into dialogue and action.
• Reveal information gradually and only when relevant.
• Trust readers to fill in gaps or imagine parts of the world.

6. Poor Pacing

Mistake: Spending too much time on mundane details or rushing through important scenes creates a jarring experience.

Why it matters: Good pacing keeps readers hooked and balances tension and relief.

How to avoid it:

• Break scenes into beats: moments of action, reaction, and reflection.
• Vary sentence length for rhythm—short sentences for tension, longer for calm.
• Use cliffhangers and stakes to keep momentum.

7. Ignoring Grammar and Spelling

Mistake: While writing craft is key, neglecting basic grammar, spelling, and punctuation can distract readers and hurt credibility.

Why it matters: Errors pull readers out of the story and reduce professionalism.

How to avoid it:

• Use grammar and spell check tools.
• Read your work aloud or have others proofread.
• Consider hiring a professional editor.

8. Lack of Conflict or Stakes

Mistake: A story without clear conflict or stakes can feel flat and uninteresting.

Why it matters: Conflict drives plot and emotional investment.

How to avoid it:

• Identify your protagonist’s goals and obstacles.
• Raise the stakes—what will happen if they fail?
• Layer internal and external conflicts for depth.

9. Dialogue That Doesn’t Sound Natural

Mistake: Stilted, unrealistic, or overly expository dialogue can break immersion.

Why it matters: Dialogue reveals character and moves the story forward.

How to avoid it:

• Listen to how people speak—use contractions, interruptions, and varied speech patterns.
• Avoid info-dumping through dialogue.
• Keep dialogue purposeful—every line should reveal something or advance the plot.

10. Not Revising Enough

Mistake: Believing the first draft is “done” or being afraid to make big changes can leave your story weaker than it could be.

Why it matters: Writing is rewriting. Editing shapes rough ideas into polished art.

How to avoid it:

• Take breaks between drafts to gain fresh perspective.
• Get feedback from beta readers or writing groups.
• Be willing to cut, rearrange, and rewrite.

Bonus Tips to Level Up Your Fiction Writing

• Read widely—explore different genres and styles to learn what works.
• Write regularly—practice hones your skills and creativity.
• Study craft books—resources like “On Writing” by Stephen King or “Bird by Bird” by Anne Lamott can be invaluable.
• Embrace your unique voice—don’t try to imitate others; your perspective is your strength.

Making mistakes in fiction writing isn’t a sign you’re a bad writer—it’s a natural part of the creative process! The key is to recognize these common pitfalls and actively work to avoid them. With patience, practice, and passion, your stories will grow stronger, richer, and more captivating with every draft.

If you’re serious about improving your fiction writing, bookmark this post and revisit it whenever you hit a creative snag. And don’t forget to share your own writing struggles or tips in the comments below—I’d love to hear from you!