Summary of "4 Novel Writing Traps Every Writer Should avoid"

Summary of “4 Novel Writing Traps Every Writer Should Avoid”

This video outlines four common pitfalls that novel writers should avoid to improve their storytelling and writing process. The speaker provides explanations, examples, and practical advice on how to steer clear of these traps to create a more compelling and well-structured novel.

Main Ideas and Lessons

Trap 1: Having an Idea That Fizzles Out After the First Chapter

Many writers start with a compelling first chapter but fail to develop the idea further.
A strong hook is important, but the story must sustain interest throughout the novel.
An idea needs to be expandable and developed beyond just the initial intrigue.
Avoid writing just to sound intriguing without a solid, sustainable story.
This applies to fiction and non-fiction alike; non-fiction often suffers from repeating a single idea without deeper development.

Lesson: Develop your initial hook into a fully realized story with depth and progression.

Trap 2: Rewriting the Book Before It’s Done

Writers often get stuck rewriting early chapters repeatedly based on feedback.
Constantly revising the beginning before completing the draft leads to “spinning wheels” and never finishing.
Editing and revision are crucial but should mostly occur after a full draft is completed.
Writing through to the end helps clarify and improve the beginning.
Accept that changes and problems will arise throughout the writing process.

Lesson: Focus on completing the draft first, then revise comprehensively.

Trap 3: Adding Complexity in Place of Depth

Depth relates to the quality and richness of the story (characters, world-building, relationships).
Complexity is the amount of information and elements the reader must keep track of (characters, locations, systems).
Complexity without depth can overwhelm and confuse readers without delivering satisfaction.
Depth is about meaningful connections and relationships between story elements, not just adding more elements.
Example: Steven Erikson’s Malazan series is complex but works because it delivers depth.

Lesson: Focus on creating depth through interconnected story elements rather than piling on complexity.

Trap 4: Trying to Rush the Process

There is pressure to write novels quickly, fueled by stories of binge writing and rapid publishing.
Writing a novel well usually takes time; 90 days is a reasonable minimum for a first draft if writing intensively.
Six months to a year is also a normal timeframe depending on individual pace and availability.
Going too fast can lead to burnout and poor quality; going too slow can waste time and stall progress.
A balanced pace is best—neither frantic nor overly slow.
Some stories naturally take years to develop.

Lesson: Respect the time needed to write a novel; avoid rushing but also avoid unnecessary delays.

Methodology / Instructions for Avoiding These Traps

Trap 1:
- Ensure your initial idea can be expanded into a full novel.
- Develop your hook beyond the first chapter.
- Avoid writing just for intrigue; build a sustainable story arc.
Trap 2:
- Resist the urge to rewrite early chapters repeatedly.
- Write through to the end before heavy revision.
- Use feedback to improve after a complete draft is finished.
- Accept that revisions will be ongoing but should not stall progress.
Trap 3:
- Prioritize depth over complexity.
- Add meaningful relationships and connections between story elements.
- Avoid adding characters, locations, or systems just to increase complexity.
- Aim for immersive, interconnected storytelling.
Trap 4:
- Set realistic timelines (e.g., 90 days minimum for a first draft).
- Find a balanced writing pace to avoid burnout or stagnation.
- Allow time for subconscious processing and story development.
- Don’t succumb to pressure to write fast; quality and development take time.

Speakers / Sources Featured

Primary Speaker: The video’s narrator/host (name not provided).
Referenced Author: Steven Erikson (author of the Malazan series), used as an example of complex yet deep storytelling.

End of Summary