12 Jun 2023

Dodge the Pitfalls: 17 Hilarious Writing Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Richard Lowe

Writing

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Step into the fascinating world of wordsmiths and language artists, where every phrase and sentence paints a captivating picture, ignites the imagination, and touches the soul. This is a world where, whether you’re a novice writer just dipping your toes into the literary lake, or a seasoned scribe who has braved the tumultuous tides of the writing ocean, mistakes are inevitable. Yes, you heard it right: inevitable. But don’t let that intimidate you! Quite the contrary, consider it your initiation into the fraternity of the written word.

Embarking on a writing journey is no less than going on an adventure. There will be unexpected twists and turns, sudden challenges, and times where you might feel like you’ve lost your way. You might even face some literary beasts – ahem, common writing mistakes – lurking in the shadows, ready to trap the unsuspecting writer.

But fear not, for this isn’t a journey you’re undertaking alone. On this path to becoming a writer, mistakes are not just your foes but your greatest allies. They are the master tutors in the school of hard knocks, teaching you lessons no writing workshop or course can. Each writing mistake you make is a stepping stone, propelling you forward on your quest to craft compelling narratives, engaging articles, or potent poetry.

Just like every painter must understand their canvas, every writer must understand the common pitfalls that litter the path of the creative process. Even the most famous and successful writers have had their share of missteps and blunders. But what sets them apart is their ability to learn from these mistakes and use them as a catalyst for growth and improvement.

And this, dear reader, is what we are about to embark upon – a light-hearted, yet insightful exploration of 17 common writing mistakes that even the best writers make. Not only will we delve into each one in detail, complete with amusing examples, but we’ll also share effective strategies on how to avoid these types of errors in writing. So, buckle up, grab your notebook, and prepare to navigate the often bumpy, yet exhilarating road to becoming a successful writer. Let’s dive in!

A Few of The Common Mistakes Made by Writers

The Non-Writing Writer. Meet our friend, Procrasti-Nate. He’s been “writing a novel” since the Ice Age but hasn’t gotten past the title page. Nate, remember, if you’re a writer, you gotta write. And no, shopping for the perfect vintage typewriter doesn’t count!
The Infrequent Scribbler. Then we have Hesitant Hannah, who writes as often as the Olympics occur. Newsflash, Hannah! If you aspire to write like J.K. Rowling, you must write constantly, not once every four years!
Giving into Writer’s Block. Welcome to the club, Blocked Bill. Bill loves to stare at blank pages, mesmerized by the cursor’s hypnotic blinking. Wake up, Bill! Write anything, even if it’s about the sneaky dust bunny under your bed. You can learn to overcome writer’s block by putting words down, no matter what they are.
Re-writing too Many Times. Meet Edit-a-lot Emma. She’s revised her opening line more times than she’s updated her Facebook status. Hint, Emma: Strive for progress, not perfection!
Not Editing Enough. Let’s not forget Fast-paced Freddy. Freddy has been known to draft, print, and send in one breath. Easy there, champ! Give that draft a once-over to catch sneaky errors that love to play hide-and-seek.
Plagiarizing. Copycat Carl, we’re looking at you. Avoiding plagiarism is about more than following rules, it’s about respecting creative integrity. It’s high time to swap the copy-paste with creative paste.
Talking About Your Idea Before Writing It, Chatty Cathy loves discussing her ideas so much, they tire out before reaching the paper. Cathy, reserve some excitement for the actual writing process!
Asking People If Your Writing is “Okay”. Meet Approval-seeking Andy. He needs more validation than a parking ticket. Andy, unless your critic’s last name is Hemingway or Rowling, it’s time to trust your gut!
Worrying About What to Write About. Worry-wart Wanda, here’s a tip for you. Don’t stress about the topic. Write about the last time you misplaced your glasses. Spoiler: They’re on your head!
Not Using Query Letters. Quiet Quentin, it’s time to sing your own praises. Don’t shy away from sending those query letters. They’re essential tools for getting your articles published.
Not Proofreading. We all know Typo Ted, who thought he had written about ‘public affairs’ until a missing ‘l’ turned it into a fiasco. Lesson: proofread, people, proofread!
Writing in Someone Else’s Style. Imitative Irene, it’s time to ditch the Dickensian dialect. Embrace your unique voice. Besides, who needs another Dickens? He’s got enough books!
Asking Other Writers for Advice. Advice-hunting Adam, it’s great to seek guidance, but remember, your writer’s journey is yours, not Stephen King’s or George R.R. Martin’s. They have their own lanes, and you have yours. Cross paths for a chat, but stay in your lane.
Keeping Poor Records. Forgetful Fiona, writing isn’t just about the next ‘Eureka’ moment. Keeping track of submissions is as crucial as keeping track of character arcs. Grab that notebook and tame the chaos!
Not Treating Writing as a Business. Easy-going Eric, remember, writing is a profession, not a hobby. Keep track of your expenses. Yes, even that fancy pen you splurged on.
Not Checking Facts and Doing Proper Research. Fact-free Fred, embellishment might work for fishing tales, but not writing. Put that internet connection to good use and fact-check!
Not Handling Copyright Infringement. Non-confrontational Nancy, it’s time to roar! If someone decides to ‘borrow’ your work, enforce your copyright. Nicely at first, then bring out the legal lions.

What are the 4 Most Serious Writing Errors?

Writing, oh glorious writing! It’s a craft that requires attention and finesse, but hey, we all make mistakes, right? Let’s have a chuckle and explore the four most serious writing errors to steer clear of:

Lack of coherence and logical flow? Oh dear, we can’t have readers scratching their heads in confusion, now can we? It’s time to ensure your ideas waltz gracefully and effortlessly, guiding your readers through a delightful reading experience. Picture it: transitional phrases leading the way, clear topic sentences acting as beacons, and well-structured paragraphs providing a smooth path through your thoughts. Let your writing shine with a seamless flow that leaves readers nodding in agreement.
Weak or inconsistent supporting evidence? It’s like constructing a house on a shaky foundation – a recipe for disaster, my friend! To fortify your arguments, gather solid evidence from credible sources, research, and real-life examples. Paint a picture so vivid that even the most skeptical reader can’t help but be convinced. Ensure your evidence is up-to-date, relevant, and properly cited, lending that extra touch of credibility and strength to your writing.
Overuse of jargon and complex language? Oh, the allure of fancy words and labyrinthine language! While they may tickle the fancy of a select few, they can leave others feeling lost and bewildered. Aim for clarity like a beacon in the night, my friend. Use clear and concise language that speaks to a wide audience, embracing the beauty of effective communication. Remember, it’s not about showcasing an extensive vocabulary but about connecting with your readers and leaving them enlightened.
Lack of originality and plagiarism? Oh, the mighty dragon of creative theft! It’s an egregious error that can tarnish your reputation and set your writing dreams ablaze. Embrace your ethical compass, my friend, and always attribute sources and ideas with due diligence. Inject your unique voice and perspective into your writing, painting with vibrant colors that bear the mark of your authenticity. Let your creativity soar and be remembered for the brilliance that is uniquely yours.

By avoiding these additional serious writing errors, you can elevate the quality of your work and effectively communicate your ideas to your audience. Keep honing your writing skills, seeking feedback, and practicing good writing habits. With time and dedication, you’ll become a proficient writer who captivates readers and leaves a lasting impression.

Emerging Victorious: Overcoming Writing Mistakes and Crafting Your Masterpiece

Well, there you have it, my fellow wordsmiths and future writing superstars: a road map of 17 common writing mistakes, a labyrinth of potential pitfalls, artfully laid out with humor and insightful examples. Yet, as we gaze upon this vast expanse of the literary landscape, let’s not forget one thing: every mistake we make, every stumble we encounter, every comma we misuse is a steppingstone in our journey to master the art of writing.

Remember, nobody is born with a pen in hand and a bestseller in their head (though wouldn’t that be nice?). We all start somewhere. Rowling was once a rookie, Hemingway was once an amateur, and you? You’re right where you need to be, on the precipice of greatness, armed with knowledge, ready to traverse the landscape of the literary world. Everyone makes a few of these common writing mistakes during their writing career; learn from them and create even better works in the future.

So, what if you fall prey to the ghosts of the passive voice, or find yourself succumbing to the allure of writing like your favorite author? It’s all part of the process. These are not fatal flaws, but invaluable lessons disguised as errors. Embrace them, learn from them, and let them shape you into the writer you’re destined to become.

Whether you’re writing your first blog post, crafting an e-mail, penning the next best-selling novel, or just jotting down your thoughts, remember, the pen is mightier than the sword. With these tips on avoiding writing mistakes, you’re no longer the unarmed writer stepping into the battlefield of words. You are an armed wordsmith, ready to face the challenges, carve out stories, inspire, engage, and most importantly, write.

So, here’s to you, dear writer. Here’s to the stories untold, the characters unborn, and the worlds uncreated. Here’s to the power of words, the beauty of expression, and the magic of imagination. Forge ahead, let your words be your guiding light, your mistakes your teachers, and your passion your compass. The world is waiting for your story. Go on, write your heart out!

Remember, in the grand theatre of life, we are all merely players. But in the vast realm of writing, we are the creators. Let your words create worlds, let your writing ignite minds. After all, isn’t that what being a writer is all about?

h time and experience. There are many different types of writing careers; making mistakes will happen regardless of what type of writing you choose. Don’t get discouraged, learn from your mistakes and improve.

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Richard Lowe

Owner & Senior Writer at The Writing King

Richard is the Owner and Senior Writer for The Writing King, a bestselling author, and ghostwriter. He's written and published 63 books, ghostwritten 48+ books, as well as hundreds of blog articles.