10 Mistakes Beginner Writers Make and How to Avoid Them.

“Mistakes don’t make you a bad writer. Not learning from them does.”

Hey, writers!

Let me confess something. I didn’t start as a perfect writer, no one does. I know, still, many of you think she needs improvement in some cases. I accept it.

Learning is a constant process, and humans evolve. I consistently dedicate time to learning, improving, writing deeply, and sharing the knowledge I have gained during this journey.

Writing contains a tremendous world. These years of experience I gathered after making mistakes, facing rejections, doubting my words, and almost quitting many times. Even though I don’t know how many times I told myself, you are not meant to be a writer.

However, the problem was not my writing; it was a lack of knowledge and proper guidance.

So, Today, in this blog, you’ll discover 10 mistakes most beginner writers make — along with clear tips to help you overcome them.

Let’s dive in.

10 Mistakes Beginner Writers Make and How to Avoid Them.

1. Not Having a Mentor or Guide

Many beginner writers try to figure everything out on their own. They forget that writing is an immense world, and they can get lost in this maze if they have no proper guidance. Beginners find it easy to grow without feedback and direction. That sometimes makes them directionless. They hesitate to ask for help, often believing, “A true writer should just know.” Results writing becomes a lonely struggle. They repeat the same mistakes, feel stuck, and lose confidence in this process. They get stuck in a loop and revolve around the same place for a long time. That can leave a negative impact on them.

Self-learning is essential, but without clear direction, it can become ineffective. You should know the destination before choosing the platform. And there, the role of a mentor begins.

I know many of you are facing it now. I was also in one of them. Don’t worry, you can fix these issues by following some suggestions.

How to fix it:

1. Invest in a Mentor or Coach: Learn from someone who’s already where you want to be. They’ll help you skip confusion and focus on what truly matters.
2. Take Craft-Based Courses or Workshops: Whether it’s a screenwriting masterclass or a storytelling workshop, structured learning accelerates your growth. Follow experienced writers on suitable platforms.
3. Join a Writing Community: Surround yourself with like-minded writers who offer support, feedback, and accountability.

Always keep in mind that a mentor doesn’t provide shortcuts; they provide guidance.

2. Not Understanding the Audience, Industry & Writing Styles

Many new writers focus only on what they love to write. They don’t focus on learning techniques, different writing styles, preferred platforms and their audience. They consistently encounter challenges in trying to reach a wider audience, which leads to feelings of disappointment.

They don’t introspect to find their strengths and which format suits them better. A style that helps them create more effectively. They create scripts without a structure and attempt to sell their unprofessional work in a competitive industry with high demands. That never works. Overcomplicating the story by adding too many characters, subplots, or twists to impress is a mistake. It confuses readers and weakens your main narrative.

Writing a quote, poetry, or blog is one thing, but writing novels, screenplays, and audio story scripts demands emotional stakes, techniques, strict structure, deep research, plots, character arcs, and more. It is a universe in itself.

Here, lack of knowledge becomes a hurdle in the writer’s growth. They develop content that has the shadow of a novice writer. It’s like tossing a message, hoping someone will read it.

They never show interest in knowing “Why” they write. Chasing trends without clarity burns their hard work and affects their journey. So, be aware of this mistake.

Don’t worry! If you’re struggling with these issues, you can encounter them by following some points.

How to Fix it:

1. Write a “Writer’s Mission Statement”: Take 5 minutes and complete this sentence: “I write because…” This simple act can reconnect you to your deepest creative truth.
2. Prioritise One Strong Core Idea: Every story should revolve around one clear concept, question, or theme. Focus on clarity over complexity. If you can’t summarise your story in one powerful sentence, it’s likely too complicated. Keep your core message and character arc strong. Let simplicity shine with depth.
3. Introspection: Take some time to reflect on which writing format(long, medium or short) best conveys your message. To effectively engage your intended audience, it’s important to understand the strengths of each format.
4. Ask yourself — Who is my ideal reader? A 16-year-old girl? A thriller lover? What emotions does my reader want to feel? Study popular books, blogs, or scripts that your target audience engages with.
5. Industry Knowledge: How the publishing or screenwriting industry works, and what each genre expects, can transform writing from guesswork into intentional impact.

Always remember that writing for yourself is an expression, but writing for others with clarity has an impact.

3. Waiting for the Perfect Idea

Waiting months for a unique idea is a myth. A real writer catches an idea, whether it comes from outside or deep inside, and turns it into something unforgettable. For a long time, I also believed I had to wait for a masterpiece idea before I started writing, but that was my biggest mistake. No idea is perfect. A writer’s knowledge made them.

Perfection is a trap. Ideas naturally evolve as you write, not before. If you stay stuck chasing the perfect idea, you’ll never start. Begin with what you have—writing itself will shape your thoughts. With a few simple steps, you can transform any idea into powerful writing.

How to fix it:

1. Follow Curiosity, Not Perfection: Start with any idea that excites you. Writing sharpens ideas. If something sparks, it’s enough to begin.
2. Keep an Idea Dump File: Keep a Google Doc or a dedicated notebook to jot down every random thought, phrase, or ‘what-if’ that pops into your mind. These little sparks can become the foundation for brainstorming and crafting essential elements of your story.
3. Write to Discover the Real Idea: Sometimes, the ‘perfect’ idea you’re chasing is hidden within the messy one you’re too afraid to begin. Start anyway—you might uncover brilliance in the chaos.

A true writer knows the act of writing reveals what your mind alone cannot.

4. Editing the First Draft While Writing

Trying to make every sentence perfect on the first go is the biggest mistake writers make. It kills momentum, slows down creativity, affects efficiency and increases self-doubt. It makes the writing process harder and prevents the story from growing naturally and freely.

Editing while writing blocks your creative side because your brain is busy fixing things instead of letting ideas flow. The first draft is messy — let it be. Write with freedom, edit with discipline later.

If following the process feels difficult, try these suggestions to help maintain a clear boundary between writing and editing.

How to Fix it:

1. Set a “No-Backspace” Timer: Use a timer(minimum 20 minutes) where you’re not allowed to delete or edit anything. Just write. You can also block separate times: one for writing and one for editing. This helps your brain to focus and keeps momentum.
2. Label It “Messy on Purpose:” Remind yourself that your first draft is a blueprint, not the building. You can’t edit a blank page, but you can reshape a messy one.
3. Celebrate Progress, Not Perfection: Track word count, scenes completed, or time spent writing. Progress builds confidence.

5. Not Reading Like a Writer

Beginners are writing without being a reader. Reading only for enjoyment overlooks structure, dialogue, pacing, and language. Great writing is reverse-engineered — studied, examined, and absorbed. Beginners forget this essential step. They didn’t pay attention to character arcs, structure or storytelling techniques. Reading is research. When you read like a writer, every page becomes a lesson.

Writers need to notice how things are written, not just what’s happening. Notice how characters are built. How tension is layered, and how scenes are closed. You can follow some habits that help you understand techniques.

How to fix it:

1. Highlight Techniques, Not Just Quotes: Re-read your favourite books with a craft lens. As you read, mark not only beautiful lines, but also observe how the author introduces a character, creates suspense and transitions between scenes.
2. Keep a “Reading Journal”: Maintain a notebook or Google Doc where you jot down: What worked in the story. How does it make you feel and why? This builds your analytical eye and storytelling vocabulary.
3. Pause and Reverse-Engineer: If you write thrillers, also read romance, historical fiction, and screenplays. Different genres sharpen different skills. After a great scene or chapter, stop and ask: What made it effective?

With this awareness, reading becomes a tool for deep, intentional learning, not only consumption.

6. Don’t Invest Time to Learn Structure and Techniques

Even creativity needs a compass. A basic outline saved us from abandoned stories. Many beginner writers have believed their creativity would work automatically. They do not need to evolve and learn new things. Their knowledge is enough to make space in the crowd. And on this belief, they write and see where it goes.

Even a short story requires a 3-act structure, character arcs, key writing techniques, and thorough research to come to life. If you don’t invest your time in educating yourself, you may lose the race before it starts.

Time may be tight, but these efforts can still help you strengthen your structure and grow as a writer.

How to fix it:

1. Use the 3-Act Structure as Your Foundation: Divide your story into three clear parts — Setup, Confrontation, and Resolution. This keeps your story grounded and gives it natural momentum.
2. Build a Visual Map (Sticky Notes / Index Cards): Laying out your story visually helps you identify structural gaps, unnecessary repetition, and pacing. Include techniques to tell the story more deeply and emotionally. Follow the economy of words. This works beautifully for visual thinkers and screenwriters.
3. Let Your Outline Evolve With You: Keep updating your outline as your characters grow and your ideas evolve.

7. Hiding Their Work

Many writers hesitate to share their work out of fear of judgment and feedback. But remember, your goal isn’t just to become a writer—it’s to become a true writer. A true writer is well-rounded: they read deeply, write consistently, embrace feedback, and master the art of storytelling. Keep growing into that version of yourself.

Hiding your writing forever means missing out on growth. The magic of feedback and community stays out of reach. Feedback is a gift. Growth happens when your words are seen, not stored away. Don’t fear sharing your drafts, publish your blog posts, and own your voice. Every time you put your work out there, you grow. Just fix it in their mind.

How to fix it:

1. Start Small and Safe: Don’t jump straight into the public spotlight. Share your writing with one trusted friend, writing buddy, or mentor. Publishing something, no matter how small, is an act of bravery most won’t even attempt.
2. Join a Writers’ Group or Community: Whether online or local, writers’ communities provide a safe space to share, learn, and grow together.
3. Shift Your Mindset: Feedback = Growth, Not Judgement: Reframe criticism as clarity. Not every reader will love your work, but every response helps you grow. Even a single sentence of honest feedback can spark major improvement.

8. Obsessing Over One Story Forever

Editing one story for years without starting anything new is a mistake. That’s not the path to improvement. It can block your creative growth and trap you in a loop. A perfect story or script takes time, but that doesn’t mean you should put everything else on hold. Even if one project takes years, you can still explore new ideas and keep writing along the way. Writing in different genres and creating one-pagers across various styles boosts your creativity, and that growth becomes clearly visible in your writing.

So don’t stick to one for a long time. Give time to invent and learn other stories. Every new story brings growth, and each story teaches you something new.

Improvement never needs perfect time, follow some instructions and start doing.

How to Fix it:

1. Set a Clear Deadline to Finish: Give yourself a realistic but non-negotiable deadline for completing your draft. Without a finish line, perfectionism will keep you endlessly circling.
2. Understand That No Story Will Ever Be “Perfect” Share It and Let It Go: Accept that every story—even those by bestselling authors—has flaws. Publish it, submit it, or share it—then move on. Sometimes, true closure comes not from endless revisions but from releasing your work into the world.
3. Start a “New Story” Journal or Folder: Collect fresh ideas while you work on your current project. When you finish, reward yourself by diving into a new one.

Your first story is not your final story. Let it teach you, and then let it go. Growth lives on your every idea.

9. Inconsistent Writing Habits

Discipline > motivation. Even 20 minutes a day can build your dream. Beginners make the mistake of waiting for motivation instead of creating a habit. Inconsistent writing affects interest, and once interest fades, rhythm and momentum too.

Setting a fixed time, place, and writing medium can help you stay committed and connected to your work.

Don’t worry if you’re struggling to stay consistent—just go through the points below to help you get back on track.

How to fix it:

1. Schedule Writing Like an Appointment: Block out a specific time daily — even 20 minutes — and treat it like a non-negotiable meeting. If you wait for inspiration, you’ll rarely show up. If you schedule it, inspiration finds you there.
2. Track Your Daily Progress: Use a word-count tracker, a journal, or a habit app to mark your writing streak. Tiny wins build momentum and make writing feel rewarding.
3. Reward Yourself for Showing Up: Celebrate commitment over perfection. Set micro-goals: 100 words, 1 paragraph, or 10 minutes. Consistency matters more than quantity for beginners.

10. Comparing Yourself to Others

Constantly comparing your journey to that of published authors can destroy your confidence, steal your joy, and dim your originality. It doesn’t matter whether you are a hare or a tortoise. The main goal is to cross the line. Everyone has a timeline. Your path is valid, and slow growth is still growth. Your final product must be the best rather than a raw one. Use your pace, write deeply and create something that matters to the industry. Focus on learning, not competing.

They grew over time—and so will you. Let your journey be one of learning. Your voice is one of a kind. Nurture it with patience and consistency.

How to Fix it:

1. Remind Yourself Timelines Are Unique: Just because another writer published at 25 or hit bestseller lists doesn’t mean you’re behind. Progress feels slow until you pause and reflect on the path you’ve walked.
2. Turn Envy Into Research: Instead of feeling discouraged, study what those writers did right. What can you learn from their tone, marketing, or discipline? Let admiration fuel your craft.
3. Limit Social Media Scrolling During Creative Hours: Protect your focus by avoiding social platforms during your writing time.

There’s room for every writer’s voice. The only comparison worth making is between who you were and who you’re becoming.

Final Thoughts

Writing is not about never making mistakes. It’s about recognising them, learning, and growing stronger. You are not just writing a story — you’re writing your evolution as an artist. So the next time you feel stuck, remind yourself: “Every master once stood where you are now—and your goal is to grow into where they are today.”

Remember: Your first story won’t be perfect, but it will be powerful. Because it’s the one that dared to be written.

Over to You! Let’s talk about it.

Which of these mistakes have you faced?

Drop a comment, DM me on Instagram @writersimranthakur, or share this with a writer friend who needs it.

Feel free to share your valuable feedback through the feedback form. Your every word matters.

Simran Thakur

Audio Story Scriptwriter| Author|Blogger|Poet