Top 6 Writing Mistakes First-Time Authors Make—and How to Fix Them!

Writing is an art form that requires precision, creativity, and discipline. However, for many first-time authors, the process can feel overwhelming, filled with uncertainty, and fraught with challenges. Whether you’re just starting out or have years of experience under your belt, it’s never too late to refine your craft.

In this blog post, we’ll explore six of the most common writing mistakes made by first-time authors—and how you can avoid them. By addressing these issues head-on, you’ll not only improve your writing but also build a stronger foundation for future projects.

Mistake: Being Too Naive About Revision

What it is:
First-time writers often believe that their first draft is perfect or at least good enough to share with the world. They may avoid revising altogether, hoping that their initial work will never need improvement.

Why it’s a problem:
A first draft is just that—a draft. It contains errors in grammar, style, and coherence that can make your writing feel disjointed and unprofessional. Overlooking these issues during the revision phase can lead to a polished final product that feels rushed or unimaginative.

How to fix it:
Treat revising as an essential part of the writing process. Use tools like grammar checkers (e.g., Grammarly) or trusted editors to identify mistakes before sharing your work. Remember, every great writer went through this stage and learned from their errors.

Bonus tip: Write multiple drafts. The first few drafts don’t need to be polished—just keep writing until you’re satisfied with the content.

Mistake: Writing Without a Clear Structure

What it is:
A lack of structure is one of the most common complaints among first-time authors. They may ramble on about their topic without providing clear transitions or logical flow, resulting in a confusing and disorganized document.

Why it’s a problem:
Readers lose patience when they can’t follow the author’s argument or story. A well-structured document makes it easier for readers to engage with your content and stay interested throughout.

How to fix it:
Start by outlining your work before diving into writing. Use bullet points, notes, or a simple framework to map out your ideas. For shorter pieces like blog posts or essays, create an outline that includes an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

Bonus tip: If you’re unsure how to structure your work, look for free writing prompts or templates online that match your topic.

Mistake: Using Shallow Content Depth

What it is:
First-time authors often focus on quantity over quality, creating short, surface-level content that lacks depth and complexity. While this may appeal to casual readers, it fails to engage serious readers or inspire lasting interest.

Why it’s a problem:
Deep, meaningful writing resonates with readers because it addresses their interests and challenges them to think critically. Shallow content, on the other hand, feels generic and uninspired.

How to fix it:
Invest in reading widely to gain insights into different subjects and styles. Pay attention to how accomplished writers structure their arguments and present their ideas. Practice diving deeper into topics and presenting your thoughts in a clear, organized manner.

Bonus tip: If you’re stuck finding depth, ask friends or mentors for recommendations on books or articles that inspire you.

Mistake: Making Unsubstantiated Claims

What it is:
First-time writers often make claims without providing evidence or logical support. Whether it’s citing statistics, personal anecdotes, or expert opinions, they may present ideas as fact rather than opinion.

Why it’s a problem:
Unsubstantiated claims can turn readers off. They create the impression that your writing is unfounded and unprofessional. To build credibility, every claim should be backed by evidence or logical reasoning.

How to fix it:
Research thoroughly before making any claims. Use credible sources to support your points and avoid jumping to conclusions without justification. If you’re unsure about a claim, err on the side of caution and leave it for later research.

Bonus tip: If you’ve made an unsupported claim, revise your work to include evidence or context that strengthens your argument.

Mistake: Ignoring Grammar and Style

What it is:
A lack of attention to grammar, punctuation, and style can make a polished draft feel rushed and unprofessional. Small errors in these areas can distract readers from the content itself.

Why it’s a problem:
Poor grammar and inconsistent style choices can undermine your credibility as a writer. Readers expect their writing to be clear, concise, and well-organized.

How to fix it:
Read your work aloud to catch errors you might miss when reading silently. Use online tools like Grammarly or Hemingway editor to check for grammar and readability issues. Don’t hesitate to ask a trusted friend or mentor to review your work before finalizing it.

Mistake: Not Balancing Creativity with Structure

What it is:
Overly creative writing, such as free-form poetry or excessive metaphor without clear structure, can make your piece feel chaotic and difficult to follow. While creativity is important, it should be balanced with a logical flow that keeps readers engaged.

Why it’s a problem:
A lack of structure can make it challenging for readers to follow your argument or enjoy your writing. It’s essential to strike a balance between creative expression and clear organization.

How to fix it:
Consider the type of writing you’re doing—whether it’s expository, narrative, persuasive, or creative—and choose a format that aligns with your goals. Use transitions, examples, and logical arguments to guide readers through your work.

FAQs

What are some common mistakes first-time authors make in their novels?

First-time authors often make mistakes such as character overload, too much backstory early on, unnecessary details, vagueness, and lack of setting in the opening pages. They may also overload the first page with extreme language instead of building nuance. Other common errors include weak introductions, lack of conflict, telling instead of showing, and unclear character motivations.

Why is it important to avoid character overload in the first few pages?

Introducing too many characters at once can confuse the reader and make it difficult for them to connect with the story. It’s best to focus on a few key characters and gradually introduce others as the narrative progresses.

How much backstory is too much at the beginning of a novel?

Starting with too much backstory can bog down the narrative and lose the reader’s interest. Instead, weave backstory elements naturally into the story as needed, focusing on vivid characterization and action from the start.

What kind of details should I avoid including in the opening pages?

Avoid including unnecessary details that don’t add anything to the story, such as specific street names, car models, or colors of clothes. Concentrate on details that are essential for setting the scene and engaging the reader.

What does it mean to be vague in the opening of a novel?

Vagueness refers to a lack of clarity or specificity in the writing, which can leave the reader feeling disoriented or confused. Make sure to provide enough concrete details to create a clear picture of the setting, characters, and situation.

Why is setting important in the first few pages?

Establishing the setting early on helps to immerse the reader in the story world and creates a sense of atmosphere. Neglecting the setting can make the story feel generic and unengaging.

What does it mean to “tell” instead of “show”?

Telling is when the author explains things to the reader rather than showing them through action, description, and dialogue. Showing creates a more immersive and engaging experience for the reader.

How can I avoid overwriting or using too much strong language in my novel?

Moderate your use of strong language and emotional extremes. Nuance is key. Focus on leading with character development and story situations rather than relying solely on direct emotional expressions.

What is the best way to create compelling characters?

Give your characters depth and make them memorable. Strong dialogue often goes hand-in-hand with conveying what your characters are feeling from moment to moment.

What are some other common mistakes that novice writers make?

Other common mistakes include failing to revise their writing, not knowing when to shelve a project, omitting sensory details, and not using spare time effectively for writing. Additionally, avoid clichés, waffling, point-of-view issues, and overusing dreams as plot devices.

 

Conclusion: Embracing Feedback

Writing is an ongoing process that requires constant improvement. By addressing these common mistakes and adopting a growth mindset, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a more confident and skilled writer.

Remember, it’s okay to make mistakes along the way. What matters most is how you use those mistakes to refine your craft.

So, roll up your sleeves, dive into your writing, and embrace the journey of becoming a better writer—one revision at a time!