LISTEN: https://soundcloud.com/authorsontheair/common-writing-mistakes-with-dp-lyle-on-criminal-mischief
PAST SHOWS: http://www.dplylemd.com/criminal-mischief.html
SHOW NOTES: http://www.dplylemd.com/criminal-mischief-notes/24-common-writing-mistakes.html
Writers, particularly early in their careers, make mistakes. Often the same ones over and over. Here are a few pitfalls to avoid.
OVERWRITING:
Too many words
Too cute by far
Strained Metaphors
Purple prose
DIALOG:
Tag alert
Characters all sound the same
Inane conversations
"As you know" chatting
SHOW VS TELL:
DESCRIPTION:
Not too much
Not too little
Just enough-the telling details
SCENES:
In and Out quickly-in medias res
Leave question/tension at end
POV:
Stay in one at a time
Except Omniscient-hard to do
PACING:
Fast but not too fast
Vary pace
BACKSTORY:
How much?
When?
ENTERTAIN:
The one cardinal rule