2nd of 2 parts
Writing speculative fiction is a nuanced craft that demands a blend of creativity, discipline, and technical skill. New writers frequently stumble over specific hurdles that can hinder their storytelling. Here are eight additional common problems beyond the typical advice:
Weak Beginnings
The beginning of a story is crucial—it’s where you hook your readers and draw them into your world. New writers often struggle with starting their stories in an engaging way. Avoid dumping too much backstory or starting too slowly. Instead, consider beginning with action, dialogue, or an intriguing situation that raises questions and compels readers to continue. A classic and effective technique is to start your story in medias res, which means “in the middle of things.” This approach throws readers directly into the action, creating immediate interest and momentum.
Repetitive Sentence Structure
Using the same sentence structure repeatedly can make your writing monotonous. New writers may fall into the habit of starting every sentence the same way or using similar lengths. Vary your sentence structures to keep the reader engaged. Mix short, punchy sentences with longer, more complex ones to create rhythm and interest.
Overly Descriptive Writing
While descriptive writing is essential, going overboard can bog down the narrative and overwhelm the reader. New writers sometimes describe every detail, which can slow the story’s pace. Focus on significant details that enhance the mood, setting, or character development, and leave out the rest. It’s also important to give readers credit for their intelligence; avoid spelling out every detail and movement. Trust that your readers can fill in the blanks and imagine the story’s world with the cues you provide.
Weak Conflict
Conflict drives a story forward and keeps readers invested. Without it, the narrative can feel aimless. There’s an old saying in writing: “no conflict, no story.” New writers might create characters and settings but neglect to include compelling conflicts. Ensure your story has clear stakes and obstacles that challenge your characters and force them to grow.
Unnatural Dialogue
Dialogue should feel natural and reflect how people actually speak. New writers might write dialogue that sounds stiff, overly formal, or unrealistic. Listen to how people talk and try to capture the rhythms and quirks of real speech. Remember that dialogue often includes interruptions, slang, and unfinished thoughts. Additionally, when a character is speaking in a specific manner, it can be effective to start with just a few words, then insert the dialogue tag describing how it’s spoken, and finish the dialogue. For example: “The dragon is coming,” he whispered. “We’ve got to get out of here.”
Pacing Issues
Maintaining a good pace is key to keeping readers engaged. New writers might either rush through important scenes or drag out less significant ones. Balance action, description, and dialogue to maintain a smooth flow. Use pacing to build tension and provide relief in appropriate measures.
Predictable Plots
Readers love a story that surprises them. New writers might rely too heavily on clichés or predictable plot lines. While some tropes are unavoidable, strive to add unique twists and unexpected turns to keep readers guessing and invested in your story.
Ignoring Subtext
Subtext is the underlying meaning behind the words and actions in your story. New writers often write everything on the surface, missing the depth that subtext can add. Infuse your dialogue and scenes with subtext to create richer, more engaging storytelling. This can involve hinting at hidden motives, emotions, or themes.
The Bottom Line
By being mindful of these common issues, new writers can refine their craft and create more compelling, polished stories. Happy writing!
See eight other problems for writers in a previous post.
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.