Why is it important to avoid these common writing mistakes?

From an unhappy writer to an interesting storyteller

Naeem Abbas
Write A Catalyst
3 min readApr 23, 2024

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Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash

Hello, artists!

For the past two years, I have given my all to my work.

I love creating stories and sharing ideas, but I have recently felt discouraged. Readers do not seem to connect with my writing the way I had hoped. When you work so hard on something and it fails, it can be upsetting.

The good news is that there is always space for growth!

I learned that I could improve my writing by avoiding some common mistakes.

If you find yourself feeling similarly frustrated, do not fear!

Join us on this journey to improve our writing skills so that we can engage readers, write more clearly, and make an impact.

The Key to Writing Effectively and Briefly

Consider that you are directing a friend.

You would not use terms that were unfamiliar to them, would you? You would keep things simple and straightforward.

The same is true for writing. When your message is clear and concise, it is like shining a bright light on your ideas, making them simple for readers to understand.

Writers may accidentally use fancy words or technical jargon that readers do not understand.

This may create a barrier between you and your audience.

It is like whispering a message through a thick wall—they may hear a muffled sound but not understand the full meaning.

Another thing to watch out for is what writers refer to as "passive voice."

This means that your sentences emphasize the action rather than who or what is doing it.

Instead of saying "I wrote this article," say "This article was written."

While passive voice is not always inappropriate, using active voice makes your writing more engaging.

Here’s The Trick

Rewrite those long, winding sentences and divide them into bite-sized pieces.

Replace complicated words with simpler ones that your readers will recognize. Consider conversing with a friend: do you want them to easily understand you?

The Art Of Audience Awareness

Have you ever walked into a room full of people speaking in a language you do not understand?

Does not it feel isolating at times? That is what can happen to readers if your writing is not tailored to them.

The key is to consider who you are writing to. Are you working on a children's story?

A technical report for colleagues? Knowing your audience allows you to tailor your language, examples, and overall approach to resonate with them.

Sometimes writers fail to define a clear purpose for their work.

What exactly do you hope to achieve with your writing?

Do you inform, entertain, or persuade your readers? A clear goal keeps your writing focused and prevents it from straying in different directions.

Another secret ingredient is a compelling narrative arc.

That simply means your writing has a clear beginning, middle, and end, just like a good story.

It takes your readers on a journey and leaves them feeling satisfied at the end.

Finally, avoid writing generic content that could be about anything. Instead, personalize your tone and provide specific examples.

This allows your readers to connect with you on a deeper level and remember your message long after they are done reading.

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