THE WORD ASSOCIATION TOP TEN PITFALLS
We thought it would be fun and helpful to have a list of top ten pitfalls that we come across. We want to make this as useful as possible, so if you have any ideas, please send them in.
1. PREMISE
A premise that is either over-ambitious / too abstract or simply too bland and generic.
2. IDEAS AND EVENTS
Not enough happens, too few ideas both big and small (e.g. observation, plot, characterisation, insight).
3. VOICE
A voice that alienates - e.g. pleased with itself, getting too pally with the reader, cynical, all-knowing - or language that gets in the way of the story.
4. BIOGRAPHY MASQUERADING AS FICTION
Personal experience too directly portrayed which comes over as autobiography not fiction.
5. CHARACTERISATION
Characters without clear goals whose dilemmas and choices are not set up. Relationships without conflict.
6. BACK STORY
Too much background information about characters which does not contribute dramatically to the main story or build anticipation.
7. KEEPING IT RELEVANT
Too much setting up, too much detailed observation that has no relevance to character or plot development.
8. CLARITY
Confusing or ambiguous signposting, point of view, time and place.
9. DIALOGUE
Characters who do not speak with an individual voice and perspective and dialogue that is used for plot exposition.
10. 'DEAD' WRITING
Passages of dialogue or description that have either no forward narrative momentum or unintentionally slow the pace.