Contributed by Eric Myers In the past five years, I have edited about 100 full-length manuscripts. I noticed a few patterns. Nearly every writer made these same “rookie mistakes.” We are here to lift and support each other. Never criticize. Here is a list of Amateur Mistakes that are universal. No one is being targeted or singled out. • There is a tendency to choose the same name for their main characters. Each writer thought they were original when they came up with these names. These names do capture emotion and reveal character. But they have been used so much that they are becoming cliche. Skye, Mystic (or Misty), Jade, Chance, and Hunter. Of those 100 novels, there were 17 uses of the name, “Kat” for a strong heroine. • New writers, we know, tend to Tell and not Show. One of the most common ways they do this is they Tell the reader that what they are about to write is meant to create tension or surprise. They love to use phrases like: Suddenly, Just then, Without warning, Before he knew it, etc. A good writer should be able to communicate tension or surprise without these gimmicks. • Another common way a writer Tells the reader rather than Shows is when they want to give the reader an idea of the character’s emotions. They simply come right out and Tell the reader… “She had a look of surprise on her face.” “He showed amazement in his eyes.” “They wore fatigue on their faces.” While it seems like it is literary… it is really no different than just saying…”She was surprised.” “He was amazed.” “They were tired.” • Directional words. They really are not needed. They are just word clutter. It is not necessary to say: “He stood up.” “She rode the elevator down to the third floor.” “The general got down off his horse.” It is cleaner and easier to read to simply write… “He stood.” “She rode the elevator to the third floor.” “The general got off his horse.” • The debate continues about using verbs as dialogue tags. While every publisher and literary agent I have ever met absolutely despises them, amateur writers still try to say things like: “Stop!” he exclaimed. “I don’t want to,” she argued. “Why?” he grunted. “Are you serious?” she gasped. It does not add anything to the writing. It merely highlights the fact that the writer cannot convey these emotions with narrative description, character action, and direct dialogue. • The word VERY and the Exclamation Point are very overused! • Characters calling each other things like Chief, Sport, Dearie, Old Man, Sweetie, My Love, Old Chap, Old Bean, Ace, Bro, Brah, Buddy, Dude, Mate, Jack, Mac, Tiger, Champ, Gramps, Skippy, Sparky, Slick, Hero, and so on… You might have one character who talks like this… ONE. And it is totally within their character to use one repeatedly… ONE. And they use it once (usually at the beginning of a conversation) …ONCE. But do not have all your characters, using all the variations, all the time, with nearly every line of dialogue. ABOUT THE AUTHORI began my professional writing career in 1993 in the ad department at the Washington Post. Writing has led me to some wonderful opportunities- Public Relations at the US Embassy in Moscow, Managing Editor at a national magazine, Communications Director for a worldwide church movement and even landed me on the Best-Sellers list a few times. But that was not my first career. I started out of college as a family therapist. And I have spent time as a Methodist Pastor. I mention these other careers because I believe they are very relevant. Becoming a good writer is not just about learning the technical aspects of the craft. It is also about overcoming doubts and fears. And answering that huge question, “Can I really do this for a living?” And it is also being able to find the answer to a few other pressing questions like: “What do I have to say?” “Who is my audience?” “Why Should I be the one to share that message.” Eric Myers, Entrepreneur, Writer and Speaker Warp Speed Editing Follow Eric at: https://www.facebook.com/eric.myers.336
I’m a working children’s ghostwriter, rewriter, editor, and coach. I can help turn your story into a book you’ll be proud to be the author of, one that’s publishable and marketable.
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