Criminal Mischief Episode 24: Common Writing Mistakes

Suspense Radio

SHOW NOTES:

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: