5 Beginner Writing Mistakes (And How to Fix Them Fast)
If you’re a new or indie writer, you’re not bad at writing — you’re just making normal beginner mistakes. The good news? Most of them are easy to fix once you spot them.
Here are five of the most common beginner writing mistakes and simple, practical ways to fix them fast.
1. Starting Without a Clear Plot
The mistake:
Writing “by vibes” — you have an idea, a character, maybe a cool scene, but no real direction.
Why it hurts:
Stories drift, stall, or collapse halfway through.
Quick fix:
Write a one-paragraph plot before you start:
- Who is the main character?
- What do they want?
- What stands in their way?
- What happens if they fail?
You don’t need perfection — just direction.
2. Trying to Be Original Instead of Clear
The mistake:
Avoiding familiar ideas because you’re afraid of being “cliché.”
Why it hurts:
Readers get confused or disconnected when the story lacks grounding.
Quick fix:
Use familiar story structures, then add your twist:
- Known genre
- Clear stakes
- Recognizable character goals
Originality comes from execution, not avoiding tropes.
3. Flat Characters With No Motivation
The mistake:
Characters act because “the plot needs it.”
Why it hurts:
Readers don’t care what happens next.
Quick fix:
Give every main character:
- A want (goal)
- A fear
- Something to lose
If you know why a character acts, the scenes write themselves.
4. Overwriting Early Drafts
The mistake:
Polishing every sentence before the story is finished.
Why it hurts:
You get stuck, burn out, or never finish.
Quick fix:
Separate writing from editing:
- Draft fast
- Fix later
- Bad pages are better than no pages
Your first draft is allowed to be messy.
5. Info-Dumping Instead of Showing
The mistake:
Explaining the world, backstory, or rules all at once.
Why it hurts:
Readers skim or quit.
Quick fix:
Reveal information:
- Through action
- Through dialogue
- Only when the reader needs it
If a detail isn’t needed right now, cut it.
Final Tip: Focus on Finishing, Not Perfecting
Every finished story teaches you more than ten abandoned ones.
Mistakes are part of the process — the key is spotting them early and fixing them fast.
If you want help turning rough ideas into solid plots and characters, tools like Storiando are built specifically for beginner and indie writers who want structure without losing creativity.
Happy writing ✍️