Mistakes New writer's make (and how to avoid them)
Hey there, writer friend,
Starting your writing journey is exciting, but let’s be honest—sometimes, it’s easy to trip over a few things along the way. We all do it—even the seasoned pros. But the good news? You don’t have to make every mistake to learn from it.
Here are a few common mistakes new writers often make—and some tips on how to avoid them:
1. Waiting for Inspiration
It’s tempting to wait for that perfect spark of creativity before you write, but inspiration doesn’t always come on command. Creativity is like a muscle, you have to exercise it even when you don’t feel like it. And just like exercising, the more you write, the more inspiration you’ll find. Don’t wait for the "right moment"—just write, even if it’s a little messy.
2. Trying to Make the First Draft Perfect
Ah, perfectionism. It’s a tricky beast. Many new writers get stuck in the cycle of rewriting and editing before they’ve even finished their first draft. I cannot tell you how many times I wrote the first half of Soul of the Stars before finally forcing myself to at least draft the second. While I can confidently say that I feel like the first half is infinitely better than the second, the truth is, that they are both equally great because I worked hard to make them great. But I wouldn’t have gotten there if I hadn’t stopped rewriting and editing the first half.
Remember: the first draft isn’t meant to be perfect—it’s meant to be written. You can always fix things later. Focus on getting your thoughts on the page, and let the revisions come after.
3. Not Reading Enough
It might sound counterintuitive, but reading is one of the best ways to improve your writing. You don’t need to read just the genre you’re writing—explore different styles, voices, and perspectives. Not only does reading expand your exposure to different authors and story structures but it also engages your mind. There were so many moments when I would be reading a book for fun and get an “aha!” moment that helped me flush out the details of my first book.
Advice: read more to grow more.
4. Overcomplicating Things
We’ve all been there—trying to weave a plot so complex it confuses even you. As tempting as it is to layer on every plot twist and subplot, sometimes simple is best, especially when drafting your novel.
Focus on telling a clear, compelling story, and don’t be afraid to strip away what isn’t serving the heart of your book. Don’t worry, your crazy ideas and plot twists aren’t going anywhere (but back on the shelf for later).
5. Not Making Time to Write
Writing is a craft, and like any craft, it takes practice. If you want to improve, make writing a part of your routine. Even on - no, especially on - days when you don’t feel like it, commit to showing up for your story.
Perspective: You don’t get paid if you don’t go to work. The same applies here - your book doesn’t get written if you don’t show up to write. Progress in small, consistent steps is better than writing sprints and monthly stalls.
Conclusion
Mistakes are just part of the journey—and they don’t define you. Every writer, from the first draft to the final edit, has faced these challenges. The key is to learn from them and keep moving forward.
If you’re ready to avoid some of these pitfalls and stay focused on your writing goals, I’ve got something special for you. My Aspiring Author's Toolkit is full of practical resources and tips that will help you build sustainable habits and avoid common mistakes. Let’s make this writing journey a little easier—and a lot more fun.
