Biggest Mistakes I See New Writers Make (And How to Avoid Them)

Starting your writing journey can be thrilling, but it can also be overwhelming. As a new writer, it’s easy to get caught up in excitement and fall into some common traps. I’ve worked with many writers, and I’ve noticed a few key mistakes that often hold them back from reaching their full potential. Today, I want to share these mistakes with you and, more importantly, how to avoid them. Let’s dive in!

1. Not Writing Consistently

One of the biggest mistakes new writers make is not writing regularly. Writing is a skill that requires practice, and like any other skill, it improves the more you do it. Too often, new writers expect to write a perfect draft on their first try or think they need to be inspired to write. While inspiration can be wonderful, consistency is key.

How to Avoid It:
Set a daily or weekly writing goal. Even if it's just a few hundred words, showing up consistently will help you improve faster than waiting for the perfect moment of inspiration. It’s about creating the habit, not perfection.

2. Overthinking the First Draft

Many new writers focus too much on getting their first draft perfect, which often leads to frustration and burnout. The first draft doesn’t need to be flawless. In fact, it shouldn’t be. The purpose of the first draft is to get your ideas on the page so you can revise and improve them later.

How to Avoid It:
Give yourself permission to write badly. Let your first draft be messy and imperfect. The goal is to move forward and build momentum. You can always revise later. Just keep writing!

3. Ignoring the Importance of Structure

New writers often struggle with story structure, and that can lead to wandering plots or weak pacing. Without a clear structure, your story can feel aimless, and readers might lose interest before it even gets good.

How to Avoid It:
Learn the basics of story structure (think the three-act structure, for example). This doesn’t mean you have to follow it rigidly, but understanding how to build tension, create turning points, and pace your story can make a huge difference in keeping your readers engaged.

4. Not Revising Enough

It’s easy to fall in love with your words and think that your first draft is as good as it gets. But in reality, writing is rewriting. New writers often don’t spend enough time revising, editing, and polishing their work, which can leave their stories feeling underdeveloped.

How to Avoid It:
After completing your first draft, step away from it for a while before you dive into revisions. Look at it with fresh eyes, and be willing to make big changes. Cut out unnecessary scenes, tighten your prose, and make sure every word is serving the story.

5. Lack of Character Development

A common mistake among new writers is creating flat, one-dimensional characters. Without depth and complexity, even the most exciting plot can fall flat. Characters are the heart of your story, and without strong, relatable, and evolving characters, readers won’t connect.

How to Avoid It:
Spend time developing your characters. What are their desires, fears, and weaknesses? How do they grow throughout the story? Make sure your characters have clear motivations and are actively driving the plot forward.

6. Not Getting Feedback

It’s easy to keep your work to yourself, especially if you’re afraid of criticism. But feedback from other writers or readers is invaluable in helping you improve. New writers often make the mistake of not seeking outside perspectives, which can lead to missed opportunities for growth.

How to Avoid It:
Share your work with trusted peers or beta readers. Join writing groups or workshops where you can receive constructive criticism. Be open to feedback and remember that it’s an opportunity to make your writing better—not a judgment of your abilities.

7. Focusing Too Much on Grammar and Punctuation Early On

While grammar and punctuation are important, new writers often get bogged down in these details during the first draft. Worrying about every comma or semi-colon while trying to get your ideas down can slow you down and prevent you from making progress.

How to Avoid It:
Save grammar checks for later drafts. In the beginning, focus on getting the story out. You can always edit for grammar once the main structure and content are in place. Don’t let the small stuff hold you back from completing your draft.

8. Underestimating the Importance of Theme

Many new writers are so focused on plot and action that they forget about theme—the underlying message or question their story is exploring. Without a clear theme, your story can feel shallow or lack emotional depth.

How to Avoid It:
Think about what your story is really about. What message do you want to convey? How does your character’s journey tie into that theme? Keep your theme in mind as you write, and ensure it’s woven through your plot, character development, and resolution.

9. Not Reading Enough

Writers are readers first. If you're not reading widely, you’re missing out on invaluable lessons in storytelling, voice, and style. New writers often underestimate how much reading can influence and improve their own writing.

How to Avoid It:
Make time to read every day. Read widely—fiction, non-fiction, and in genres you’re interested in writing. Pay attention to what works in the stories you read and think about how you can apply those techniques to your own work.

10. Being Afraid of Failure

Fear of failure can paralyze writers, making them afraid to take risks or share their work with others. It’s normal to feel insecure about your writing, especially when you’re just starting out, but don’t let that fear stop you from moving forward.

How to Avoid It:
Embrace the idea that failure is part of the process. Every writer experiences rejection, criticism, and moments of doubt—it’s a natural part of growth. Keep pushing through and remember that your first drafts won’t be perfect, but they are steps toward improvement.

Final Thoughts

The journey of writing is full of ups and downs, but the key to success is persistence and growth. Avoiding these common mistakes can help you become a more confident and skilled writer, ready to share your stories with the world. Remember, writing is a process, and with each mistake comes an opportunity to learn.

Keep writing, keep improving, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes along the way—they’re part of the adventure!

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Let’s get your story out into the world!