Common Writing Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

1. My writing isn’t good enough.

Do not—I repeat, DO NOT—compare your writing to the book on your nightstand. That book has been written, and re-written multiple times, and has been edited to within an inch of its life by professionals whose job it is to sell books. Will your book be riddled with typos, inconsistencies, and wrong information? Yes. But it’s all fixable.

Your first draft is meant to get the bones of the story on paper. You’re sketching out the shape of the story on the canvas before you even touch the oil paints that will make it beautiful, and ready for anyone else’s eyes. Right now, this is just for you—so don’t lose sleep over those typos. They don’t matter.

You will get better as you go. You will discover new ideas halfway through that make your idea better. That means you’re doing it right! Embrace it. Expect it. And harness it to your advantage.

2. I don’t have time.

You need less time than you think to write a book.

Not to say it’s not a long process. Only that you don’t need weeks of uninterrupted writing time to make progress.

Can you use your lunch break? Do you spend time waiting in the car or lobby while your family is in extra-curricular activities, or dentist appointments? Can you push your bedtime ten minutes later? Sometimes having a ticking clock helps you use your time more efficiently.

Writing sprints are really effective for many people, me included. Set the timer for 15 or 20 minutes. During that time, don’t check your phone, go to the bathroom, or get up for a snack. Just write. When the timer goes off, you can let your attention be pulled to other things.

Stay tuned for more writing tips and tricks, and visit out Event Calendar for writing programs and events.

By Emily Nakeff

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