The Worst Mistakes Writers Make—
and How to Avoid Them
© Eileen Kugler

Mistake 1: Use Complex Language

Use simple direct language, free of jargon. Follow John F. Kennedy's example:

"Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country" (not even a 3 syllable word)

Mistake 2: Worry whether every word in your first draft is correct

You can never get away with one draft! (That's why God made word processors.)

Let your first draft flow from the right, creative side of your brain.

Give yourself some distance from the writing, by letting it sit a few hours or even a few days.

Go back to your work and polish with the left, analytical side of your brain *

Mistake 3: Love your writing so much, you can't bear to change it

Polish your "diamond" until you can see every facet.

Don't be wedded to certain sentences if they don't fit.

Think broadly — if there is a word that you want to replace, but you can't find exactly the right one, try changing the sentence structure, e.g.,

"Committee members were helpful in writing this proposal" could become

"Committee members were instrumental in writing this proposal" or try strengthening the message this way:

"This proposal could not have been written without the assistance of several committee members."

Mistake 4: Forget your goal

Remember why you started writing it in first place!

Always keep your audience in mind

Everything should relate to your theme