What are Common Traps for Aspiring Writers and Authors?

#CommonTrapsforWriters #WritersTrap #AuthorsTrap

How can you absorb knowledge from writers you like without impeding your own ability to put words on the page? How critical is a strong opening line when writing the first draft? How does revision enter the picture? Talent vs. ability? How is researching a stumbling block? How is it that "process" is not necessarily synonymous with "process"?

There are some obstacles that a writer must overcome in order to make a mark with words. Additionally, there is a significant likelihood of falling for several extremely common traps.

Consider the following frequent pitfalls for aspiring writers and authors:

Writing in order to violate the regulations.

Before experimenting with other literary aspects, I believe that someone should have a firm grasp of fundamental grammar, story organization, and character development. It's not a terrible thing to experiment with your creative side while keeping the guidelines in mind. If that is your objective, then go for it. I've simply watched far too many individuals attempt to accomplish something that hasn't been done before and fail because they haven't mastered the fundamentals of writing. It's like attempting addition without first learning to count.

Having irrational aims.

Dreaming large comes with a double-edged sword. While having goals and believing in yourself is admirable, if your aim when you begin writing is to become the next 'insert very brilliant and successful author here,' you may need to set more modest ambitions. The chances of becoming a best-selling novelist are absurdly slim, on a par with winning the lottery. Take things slowly. Develop your craft through drafting, editing, and revising. Once you've completed the product, consider the following step. If you believe that completing a manuscript is the first step toward receiving prizes and recognition, you may be disappointed.

Constantly prioritizing quantity over quality.

Increased word count does not equate to improved substance. While it's admirable to set a weekly/daily writing goal (I do), the pacing will suffer if those words are filler phrases, paragraphs, scenes, or meandering narrative elements. Proclaiming that you can write 20,000 words a day is meaningless when half or more of those words must be deleted throughout the revision phase. It only adds to the headache. Rather than that, strive to write succinctly. Make each word count.