writing process
3 Awful Writing Mistakes OTHER Writers Make (That I Won’t Let You Make)
Here’s the breakdown so you can steal it
Writing is hard.
It’s not just about stringing words together in a way that sounds pretty. It’s about connecting with people, making them feel something, and maybe even changing their minds.
And guess what?
Most writers suck at it. Yeah, I said it. They suck.
But you? You’re different. You’ve got potential. You’re here because you want to get better. And I’m here to make sure you don’t fall into the same traps that most writers do.
The goal is simple: to turn you into the best writer you can be.
So, let’s dive into the three awful writing mistakes other writers make, and how you can avoid them.
Mistake #1: Neglecting the Power of Editing (Don’t You Dare Make This Blunder)
Writing is not a one-and-done deal.
You don’t just puke out your first draft and call it a day. That’s what amateurs do. And trust me, readers can tell.
The first draft is supposed to suck. That’s its job. Your job is to make it not suck, and that means editing. And editing. And editing again.
Think of your first draft as a lump of clay. It’s rough, unshaped, and probably looks like something a toddler would make.
But with each edit, you mold it, smooth out the rough edges, and turn it into something beautiful.
This is where the magic happens. This is where you separate yourself from the hacks who think they can skip the hard part.
Editing isn’t just about fixing typos and grammar mistakes, although those are important. It’s about refining your ideas, clarifying your message, and making sure every sentence earns its place on the page.
It’s about cutting the fluff and getting to the heart of what you’re trying to say. It’s about making your writing sing.
Here’s a pro tip: give yourself some distance.
After you finish your first draft, walk away. Take a day, a week, however long you need to come back with fresh eyes. You’ll be amazed at the crap you didn’t notice before.
And don’t be afraid to be ruthless. Cut out anything that doesn’t serve your purpose. Your readers will thank you.
Mistake #2: Playing it Safe and Sticking to the Status Quo — Where’s the Adventure in That?
Nobody wants to read the same old stuff they’ve read a thousand times before.
If you’re playing it safe and sticking to the status quo, you’re boring. And boring writers don’t get read. They get forgotten.
Writing is supposed to be exciting. It’s supposed to challenge people, make them think, make them feel.
So why are you playing it safe?
Great writing comes from taking risks. It comes from putting yourself out there, being vulnerable, and saying things that might piss people off.
It’s about having an opinion and not being afraid to share it. It’s about pushing boundaries and breaking rules. And if you’re not doing that, you’re doing it wrong.
Think about your favorite writers. Are they the ones who play it safe, or are they the ones who take risks and challenge the status quo? I’m betting it’s the latter.
So, why aren’t you doing the same? Don’t be afraid to be bold. Don’t be scared to say what you really think. That’s what makes great writing.
Here’s the thing: not everyone is going to like what you write.
And that’s okay. In fact, it’s a good thing.
If everyone likes what you write, you’re probably not saying anything worth saying.
So embrace the haters. They’re a sign that you’re doing something right. And who knows? Maybe your boldness will inspire others to do the same.
Mistake #3: Ignoring the Business Side of Writing — The Grave Error You Must Never Commit
Writing isn’t just an art. It’s a business. And if you’re ignoring the business side of writing, you’re making a huge mistake.
It doesn’t matter how great your writing is if nobody reads it. And getting people to read it means understanding the business side of things.
This means marketing yourself, building a platform, and understanding your audience.
It means learning about SEO, social media, and all the other tools that can help you get your work in front of more people.
It means treating your writing like a business because that’s exactly what it is.
Writing is an art, but selling it is a business. Master both, and you’ll find success in a world where talent alone is never enough.
Here’s a harsh truth: talent is overrated. There are a ton of talented writers out there who will never get anywhere because they don’t understand the business side of things.
And there are a ton of mediocre writers who are hugely successful because they do. Don’t be the former. Be the latter.
Ask yourself:
- How can I better understand the market?
- What steps can I take to promote my work effectively?
- How can I build a strong online presence and connect with my readers?
Start by building your platform. This could be a blog, a social media presence, a YouTube channel, or whatever.
The point is to have a place where you can connect with your audience and share your work. And don’t wait until you’ve written the perfect piece to start. Start now. Build your audience as you go.
Next, learn about SEO. I know, it sounds boring. But trust me, it’s important.
SEO is what helps people find your work. And if people can’t find your work, they can’t read it.
So take the time to learn the basics. It’s not as complicated as you think.
And finally, don’t be afraid to market yourself. This means promoting your work, reaching out to potential readers, and doing whatever it takes to get your writing in front of people.
It might feel uncomfortable at first, but it’s a necessary part of the process. And the more you do it, the easier it gets.
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Writing is hard. But it’s also incredibly rewarding. By avoiding these three mistakes, you can set yourself apart from the pack and become the writer you’ve always wanted to be.
Remember: editing is your friend, playing it safe is for losers, and the business side of writing is just as important as the creative side.
So go out there, take risks, and make your writing the best it can be. And most importantly, have fun with it.
Because at the end of the day, that’s what writing is all about.
All the best.
Zohvib
Struggling with your writing? Let me give you a hand.
