The Top 5 Mistakes Amateur Writers Make

Learn the top 5 mistakes that amateur writers make and how to avoid them. Below are additional links that will help you correct the issues with your novel. Point of View: Head Hopping: http://thewriteditor.wordpress.com/2013/11/26/the-difference-between-omniscient-pov-and-head-hopping/ Developing a solid third person point of view (either omniscient or third limited): http://thewriteditor.wordpress.com/2013/12/04/developing-a-solid-third-person-point-of-view/ Telling vs. Showing How to show instead of tell in your writing: http://thewriteditor.wordpress.com/2014/02/17/how-to-show-instead-of-tell-in-your-writing/ Conflict How to plot a novel (a lot of info about conflict is included): http://thewriteditor.wordpress.com/how-to-plot-a-novel/ For more help with writing or to check out my editing services, visit my website: http://thewriteditor.wordpress.com Feel free to shoot me an email with questions or video ideas: ellenbrock (at) keytopservices (dot) com

Comments

1. is it possible that I can have an 80 pg poweful moving autobiography? Basically does the amount of pages matter? are the pages what readers or editors looking for?
2. I've never met Lance, but I'm glad to hear he's free!
3. Wow. If only John Updike saw this video.
4. Don't try to write until you're covered with scars.
5. I came here by accident and subscribed because you're straight forward with the value. I like that.
6. I agree with all of the tips. Great job. I've written quite a few books and have put down the writing hobby for the last few years, but yeah, it is a great hobby to pursue. So great for sharpening the mind.
7. On editing, the most common mistake I see is info-dumping. There's a major difference between journalism and writing a novel. Journalism is facts, information dumping; writing a story is art. On any 1st draft, I info-dump constantly, don't worry much about anything but getting the story down. Info-dumping is making inside notes, not the story! When info-dumping, I can come back and expand, make it live. Often, I do more cutting than actual writing when editing 2nd and 3rd drafts. Nor do I advise simply deleting parts. those are saved in a file and often come in handy in other stories. we paint with words. Show the picture, not explain it. I have a major issue with 2nd and 3rd person! this is why I send work out. AKA the wise Scotsman gets his neighbor to thin his turnip patch. ...God, i hate writing but love writing i must be cray to be a writer but am perfectly sane! now, what did i do with those meds? :)
8. I appreciate your point of view.  Had a suggestion:  Consider putting a plant over by the fireplace to warm up the space and give a more inviting stage.
9. thanks ellen -- lovely video
10. i was forced into writing
11. This should be titled: Advice For Writers Who Want To Appeal To A Modern Day Western Audience.
    
    If you're writing to make a fortune and achieve fame, then fuck off.
12. hello miss! i cant find your third person pov article, the link is broken.
13. Thanks for this video. I'll definitely be watching more of your videos.
14. These are good Ellen. Subscribing now.
15. I'm 69 and have been a technical writer as a profession for over 25 years. I find this interesting. Thanks for the informative video.
16. I dont necessarily think that a writer writing in different point of views is a mistake. its called being creative with your characters and story telling
17. WORJTLESS! Zero examples, and zero understanding of actual writing. Wow, this explains why all current books look the same. Univentive, stupid even?
18. Mannerisms, I meant mannerisms. Yours are charming.
19. It seems quite a few people here are being real picky on her presentation; the point is what's being said, she's an editor not a presenter. Animators and Illustrators are even worse, if you've ever watched any of their videos they pause and stumble all over the place with their phrasing. Ellen's pizzazz or supposed lack thereof is irrelevant to the actual purpose of the video.