1st of 2 parts
Writing speculative fiction can be a rewarding and challenging experience. New writers often encounter several pitfalls as they hone their craft. This blog post will discuss eight common issues and provide tips on how to overcome them.
Point-of-View Slips
One of the most common problems for new writers is maintaining a consistent point of view (POV). Switching between first, second, and third person, or even between different characters’ perspectives within the same scene, can confuse readers. To avoid POV slips, choose a POV that suits your story and stick to it throughout each scene or chapter.
Show vs. Tell
“Show, don’t tell” is a well-known writing adage that new writers often struggle with. Instead of telling readers what a character is feeling, show it through their actions, dialogue, and body language. For example, instead of writing “She was angry,” show her clenched fists and furrowed brows. This approach creates a more immersive and engaging reading experience.
Inconsistent Voice
Every character should have a unique voice that reflects their personality, background, and experiences. Inconsistent voice can make characters feel flat and unrealistic. To maintain consistency, create detailed character profiles and ensure their dialogue and inner thoughts align with their established traits.
Dialogue Tag Overload
Using too many dialogue tags, especially elaborate ones like “exclaimed” or “whispered softly,” can be distracting. Stick to simple tags like “said” or “asked,” and let the dialogue and context convey the tone and emotion. This keeps the focus on the conversation and makes it feel more natural.
Info Dumps
New writers often feel the need to unload all their world-building and backstory at once, resulting in info dumps. These can overwhelm readers and disrupt the narrative flow. Instead, reveal information gradually and naturally through dialogue, actions, and character experiences.
Plot Holes
A plot hole is a gap or inconsistency in a story that contradicts the flow of logic established by the story’s plot. These inconsistencies can confuse readers and undermine the story’s credibility. Common types of plot holes include unexplained events, contradictory details, or missing information that would be necessary for the plot to make sense. To avoid plot holes, keep track of all plot elements and ensure they align logically. Creating an outline or using story-mapping tools can help you maintain consistency and avoid plot holes.
Overuse of Adverbs
Relying too heavily on adverbs can weaken your writing. Instead of writing “He ran quickly,” use a stronger verb like “He sprinted.” This makes your writing more dynamic and engaging. Use adverbs sparingly and only when they add significant value to the sentence.
Flat Characters
Characters who lack depth and development won’t resonate with readers. To create compelling characters, give them flaws, goals, and backstories. Show their growth and struggles throughout the story. This makes them more relatable and memorable.
The Bottom Line
After writing a scene, review the above list and revise your manuscript as necessary. That way, your readers will zip through the story without confusion, and your critique partners will smile.
See eight more common problems in the next post scheduled in a few days.
R. C. Beckett was given a collection of Fantasy and Science Fiction Magazines as a teenager and read hundreds of the stories — he was hooked and started writing fiction in 2013. He loves to write hard science fiction, but can’t help adding a bit of humor. Publications: “Exit Mars” and “Exit Earth” (available on Amazon). “Exit Pluto”, the third in the Exit series, should be published in the near future. He is finishing up a new novel, Legacy of Earth. He lives in Golden Colorado and is a member of Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers. Walking his dog is key to his writing since that’s when he imagines plots for his stories. He also volunteers as a webmaster for non-profit companies including SpecFicWriters.