Seven Signs That Your Writing Sucks (And How to Fix It)
Want to know how to fix bad writing? Every author has a cringe-worthy draft somewhere. A half-finished novel gathering dust. A storyline that makes you wince. You’re not alone. In fact, if you care enough to ask whether your writing is a pile of poo, that’s actually a very good sign.
You wouldn’t be human if your writing didn’t need work. I’m here to help you fix those writing mistakes. If any of these hit close to home, don’t panic, because the only way is up. Here are seven signs your writing isn’t hitting the mark — and more importantly, some effective writing tips and tricks on how to fix it.
1. You’re Boring Yourself
If you’re nodding off while reading your own words then most likely your readers will too. Your passion for your story should seep through your words. If you’re not lit up by what you’re writing, it’ll fall flat.
How to fix bad writing: Write about something that gets under your skin. Use active verbs. Drop in real emotion. You are your first reader. When I get stuck, I imagine that I’m reading the book for the first time. What scene would excite me at this point? What would make me gasp out loud? Depending on your genre, a good scene booster could be someone getting naked, a sudden car crash, the introduction of an unexpected character, a surprise windfall, a betrayal, a death in the family…see where I’m going with this? You can always find ways to liven a scene up. It could be something minor like a character losing their car keys and blaming another character, or something more surprising or evocative. When it comes to writing fast-paced books, conflict is key.
2. Your Sentences Sound Like a Textbook
When it comes to genre fiction, formal, stiff, overcomplicated language is the fastest way to lose a reader who just wants to be entertained. Writing isn’t about sounding clever. It’s about drawing your reader so deep into the story that they feel part of it. The last thing you want is for your reader to stop to look up a word.
How to fix textbook writing: Read your writing out loud. Does it sound like you? If not, rewrite it until it does. Aim for rhythm and flow, like you’re telling one heck of a story rather than teaching through text.
3. Nothing Happens / AKA the Saggy Middle
This one’s especially common in novels. You start strong and have one fast paced race to the end, but somewhere in between, things slow down. You might not even realise it until you read your story back. If your characters are just sitting around thinking or talking for pages, readers will drift. Story is action.
How to fix the saggy middle: This can be solved by plotting your book. But if you’re not a plotter then the middle of a book is a great place to throw a grenade into the story and come up with a plot twist. Not that sort of story? Raise the stakes. Make sure something’s always at risk. Keep your characters moving, choosing, reacting. Each scene should have a purpose.
4. Your Characters All Sound the Same
If every character talks like you, you’ve got a problem. Readers should be able to guess who’s speaking without immediately seeing the name tag.
How to fix bad dialogue: Give each character a voice — their own rhythm, slang, quirks. Listen to how real people talk and let that colour your dialogue. But don’t overdo it. There’s a balance. Read your favourite books and speak the dialogue aloud. Feel the cadence. The words spoken in the silences. I love teaching dialogue and we cover it extensively in my writing course, Brave The Page.
5. You’re Drowning in Adverbs and Adjectives
She “whispered nervously.” He “smiled happily.” You get the idea. Less is more. Over-describing everything slows the pace and blunts the punch.
How to fix the overuse of adverbs and adjectives: Show emotion through action. Instead of saying someone was nervous, relay a slight shake in their hands. Let the reader feel it, rather than spelling everything out.
6. You’re Not Sure What Your Point Is
If you’re rambling or circling a topic without landing it, your reader will feel just as lost.
How to fix lacklustre writing: Before you write, ask yourself: What’s the takeaway? What’s the purpose of this piece, scene or dialogue? Then write toward that.
7. You Don't Self Edit
First drafts are supposed to be messy. Editing is where the real magic lies. You’re missing out if you don’t spend a considerable amount of time working on your first draft. I self edit all my first drafts at least three times before it goes to my publisher, who will put it through many more rounds.
How to edit your first draft: Firstly, give yourself space between writing and editing. Read with fresh eyes. Better yet, read it aloud. Tighten, cut, rearrange. Editing is where good writing becomes great.
Final Thoughts
You’re not a bad writer. You’re human, and your humanity is much needed in the writing world right now. Be a proud work-in-progress. Stick with it. Keep learning. Every author started exactly where you are now.
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Where are you in your writing? Any suggestions to add? Comments welcome below.
