The 7 biggest mistakes when writing – and how to avoid them

1. Perfectionism – the creativity killer

Many writers try to make everything perfect right from the first draft: every formulation brilliant, every scene dramaturgically sophisticated. This usually leads to frustration and writer’s block. Allow yourself to write badly – at least in the first draft. Your first task is to tell the story. You can (and should) revise later. The first draft is the raw material, not the finished work of art.

2. Lack of structure

A novel without a clear structure or a non-fiction book without a common thread quickly seems confused or boring. Readers need orientation – even on an unconscious level. Before writing, create a rough concept or chapter structure. You don’t have to plan everything down to the last detail, but a basic framework helps you to keep track – and so do your readers.

3. “Show, don’t tell” – misunderstood

The famous advice “show, don’t tell” is often exaggerated or misunderstood. Instead of naming an emotion (“He was angry”), it should become visible through action and description (“He hit the table with his fist”). But some things can – and should – be told. Use both techniques consciously. Show central, emotional moments, but don’t be afraid to tell unimportant transitions or information directly. A good balance brings the text to life.

4. Flat Figures

If your characters – whether hero or antagonist – are one-dimensional, without internal contradictions or development, readers quickly lose interest. Give your characters depth. What do they really want? What do they fear? What weaknesses do they have? Even secondary characters benefit from small idiosyncrasies that make them human.

5. Textbook dialogues

Unnatural dialogue is one of the most common criticisms of unpublished manuscripts. When characters only exchange information (“As you know, you’re my brother…”), it seems wooden. Read your dialogues out loud. This way you can tell if they sound natural. Pay attention to pauses, detours, heckling – real conversations rarely go in a straight line. And: Not every piece of information belongs in the dialogue.

6. Too many adjectives and filler words

Adjectives and filler words are like spices: used correctly, they enrich the text, but too much makes it inedible. Sentences like “The incredibly beautiful, breathtakingly enchanting landscape” quickly seem kitschy. Write simply and precisely. Trust strong verbs and clear images. With each adjective, ask yourself: Does the sentence really need this?

7. Fear of feedback

Many writers don’t show their texts to anyone – for fear of criticism. But writing in a quiet room is rarely enough to really improve. Get feedback! Find test readers or join a writing group.Constructive feedback will help you identify blind spots – and improve your writing in a targeted manner. And remember: Criticism of the text is not criticism of you as a person.

Conclusion

Writing is a process in which mistakes are part of it – and often even necessary. The decisive factor is not whether you make them, but whether you learn from them. If you keep an eye on the stumbling blocks mentioned above, you’ll lay a solid foundation for strong writing – no matter what genre you’re writing in. Keep at it, keep writing – and have the courage not to be perfect.

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