Since starting my public relations and corporate communications career more than 28 years ago, I have learned a lot about writing. However, some of my biggest lessons came from writing mistakes I made or those made by others.
Whether you are a creative entrepreneur, blogger, or aspiring writer, there’s always something to learn about writing.
Here are five common writing mistakes that writers should avoid.
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1. Not starting
So many people who tell me they want to write never seem to get around to writing. They talk about writing. They dream of writing. But they don’t ever write anything.
For every writer, the reasons for not writing may differ. Some writers grapple with procrastination, others with doubt, and for some, it’s fear.
All these reasons are stumbling blocks to realizing your writing dreams. It may be easier said than done, but you must find a way to push past every obstacle and get started.
If you are worried about your skills, there is no shortage of cost-effective online resources to upgrade your writing.
If it’s the fear of rejection that prevents you from taking up your pen or typing the first word, understand that there will always be someone who doesn’t like what you write, and there will be many more who will love your writing.
If it’s procrastination, the age-old thief of time that’s responsible for why you haven’t started writing, then it’s time to get disciplined. Create a morning routine and stick to it. Studies have shown that people with a morning routine are more creative and are more likely to follow through with their predetermined schedules. So, please wake up, level up, be confident and write like your life depends on it.
Just get started.
2. Never making time to write
Another mistake writers make is not making time to write.
I made this mistake for many years. First, I worked all day writing for my full-time job. Next, I spent time after work writing to support my volunteer assignments, which I loved. But by the time I thought about writing, I was too tired or unfocused.
Maybe this is you. You know you should be writing your next blog post, article, or even the text for your ‘About Us page’ for your new website. But instead, your writing takes a back seat to everything that’s happening in your life. This madness must stop.
Schedule time to write, and most importantly, follow through with it. Be disciplined with your schedule, and when it’s time to write, rid yourself of all distractions and create an environment that helps you be productive.
3. Ignoring the prewriting phase
It’s easy for new writers to make the mistake of not prewriting. For some writers, prewriting seems like a waste of time or another obstacle that hinders their writing flow.
But prewriting can be a lifesaver. Prewriting allows you to organize your thoughts, conduct research, create a storyboard and figure out your writing objective and target audience.
Knowing what to write, how to write it, and to whom you’re writing all play a vital part in ensuring your writing is successful.
4. Not knowing your audience
No matter what you decide to write, it’s important to know your audience. During the prewriting stage, do research that helps you fill in the blanks to the following statements:
- The reader I want to reach reads this genre _______________
- I plan to write material that helps my readers solve problems like _______________
- I will study the following magazines or books to understand my reader better ________________
Always keep your target reader at the heart of everything you write.
5. Not Marketing Yourself as a Writer
Once you decide to become a writer, don’t be afraid to market yourself as a writer.
In the early days of my writing life, I rarely used the “W” word to describe myself as a writer. But once I got serious about starting a writing business, I changed my mindset. If I wanted people to take me seriously as a writer, I had to first take myself seriously.
After setting up my business’s public relations and corporate communications side, I established a dedicated writing business to write nonfiction and fiction books. Next, I created separate social media pages and invested in online advertising to promote my books. Finally, I launched my website and blog to support both sides of my business.
Are there other mistakes writers make? Sure. I didn’t write this post to belabor the point. Instead, I wanted to inspire anyone who dreams of writing to take the next small step. I am a firm believer that it is never too late to write the next chapter of your life or renew your interest in your dreams. Go for it!
Updated October 2021
Since starting my business in 2018, I have been going nonstop. My days have been filled with client meetings, freelance assignments, speaking engagements, writing books, teaching classes, and community service. I’m grateful for everything God leads me to do. My public relations, corporate, and marketing communications background has helped me develop creative ways to grow my business. But lately, it seemed like my beautiful, creative life was moving into overdrive. By the time I reached August 2021, my creative time, mind, and soul were running on fumes.
