What Should You Not Do in Fiction Writing?
When writing fiction, there is a great deal of freedom and creativity that writers can exercise to create a story that will grab and hold the attention of readers. But with all that creative freedom, there are certain things writers should avoid in order to produce a successful piece of work. From staying away from cliché plot elements to using dialogue responsibly, understanding what to avoid in fiction writing can help writers craft a story that will resonate with readers and create a lasting impression. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the key mistakes that writers should avoid in order to create a successful fiction piece. We’ll discuss how to maintain a balance between creative freedom and responsible writing, as well as tips on how to create vivid and compelling characters that will drive the story forward. So let’s dive in and see what should be avoided in fiction writing.
1. Don’t use Cliches
When it comes to fiction writing, clichés are a big no-no. Clichés are phrases that have become overused and over-contaminated because of their overuse. They don’t add any value to your story and they can make it seem unoriginal. Clichés also give your readers a feeling of having heard the same story before, which can be extremely off-putting. Instead of relying on clichés, come up with unique phrases that will make your story stand out and be memorable.
2. Avoid Unnecessary Exposition
Unnecessary exposition is a common mistake in fiction writing. It is when a story gets bogged down in unnecessary details, such as backstories and descriptions of characters and settings, that don’t add anything to the plot. This tends to slow down the story and can make it seem tedious and boring to the reader. Instead, focus on the plot and provide only the necessary details that are needed to move the story along. Too much exposition can take away from the suspense and excitement of the story.
3. Don’t Use too Many Characters
It’s important to keep your cast of characters to a minimum. Not only does having too many characters confuse the reader, but it can also make it difficult to keep track of who is who and which character is doing what. It’s best to stick to three to five characters and use those characters to their fullest potential. If there are more than five characters, consider combining them into one or reducing the number. It’s also important to make sure that each character has an important role in the story and to make sure that they are all distinct so that readers can easily tell them apart.
4. Don’t use too Much Dialogue
When writing fiction, it’s important to remember to not overuse dialogue. It can be tempting to add too many conversations between characters, but this can create monotony and make the story drag. Extensive dialogue can also take away from the overall narrative and make the pacing feel off. Instead, aim to include a healthy balance of dialogue and description. The description should allow the reader to visualize the setting and create suspense, while the dialogue should be used to drive the plot forward and add dynamic character interactions.
5. Don’t Rely on Coincidence to Move the Plot Forward
Coincidence can be a convenient plot device, allowing characters to stumble upon the right answers at the right time. However, relying too heavily on coincidence can weaken your story and make it seem contrived. Readers don’t connect with coincidences, as they seem too coincidental and far-fetched. If you need to use it, make sure that the coincidences are used sparingly and realistically, so that readers can suspend their disbelief without too much difficulty.
In conclusion, there are many rules and guidelines to follow when it comes to writing fiction. It is important to keep in mind the basic tenets of storytelling, such as maintaining a consistent point of view and avoiding introducing too many characters. Furthermore, it is important to not be afraid to take risks and experiment with different narrative techniques to make your story come alive. While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to writing fiction, these tips will help you avoid common pitfalls and create a captivating story.