What are the common mistakes to make when writing novel dialogue tags?

Another mistake is creating flat characters. Readers need to be able to relate to or be interested in the characters. If they're one-dimensional, it can make the novel less engaging. Also, not editing thoroughly can lead to grammar and spelling errors that detract from the quality of the work.

Well, in writing dialogue in a novel, some writers make the mistake of writing unrealistic conversations. People don't usually speak in long, perfectly formed sentences all the time. Another mistake is ignoring the power of silence in dialogue. Sometimes what a character doesn't say is just as important as what they do say. And not being consistent with a character's voice throughout the novel can also be a big mistake.

A big mistake is not using subtext effectively. Dialogue that is too straightforward can be boring. Subtext adds depth. Also, don't overuse dialogue tags. Sometimes it's better to let the dialogue flow without constantly reminding the reader who is speaking. And make sure the dialogue is appropriate for the time period and setting of the story. If it's a historical story, modern slang would be out of place.

Common mistakes when quoting dialogue from a novel include forgetting to use quotation marks at all. This makes it seem like you're just writing your own words instead of quoting. Additionally, misinterpreting the dialogue and quoting it in a way that changes its original meaning is a problem. For example, taking a sarcastic statement and quoting it as if it were a serious one. And not considering the style and tone of the overall piece when inserting the quote can also be an error.

A big mistake is having inconsistent or illogical world-building. The setting and rules of the fictional world should make sense and be consistent throughout. Another is using too much exposition or info-dumping, which can bog down the narrative and make it less engaging.

A big mistake is when the dialogue doesn't match the character's background or personality. For example, if your character is from a poor rural area but uses very sophisticated language all the time. And some writers make the dialogue too long - winded. It should be concise and to the point, especially if the character is in a tense situation. Also, forgetting to add emotions or subtext to the dialogue can make it seem flat.

A frequent error when quoting dialogue in a novel with MLA style is incorrect handling of interruptions. For instance, if a character pauses in their speech and there's a description of their action, people might not use ellipses correctly to show this break. Additionally, when quoting a long dialogue that spreads across pages, some may forget to update the page number as the dialogue continues. And some might not use the proper punctuation within the quotation marks as per the original dialogue in the novel, which can change the meaning of what was originally said.

Avoiding inconsistent pacing is crucial. Sometimes the story might move too fast or too slow, making the reading experience uneven. Also, not proofreading thoroughly for grammar and spelling errors can turn readers off.

Don't rush the plot. Make sure it unfolds naturally and keeps the readers engaged.

One common mistake is poor character development. If the characters aren't fleshed out and relatable, readers won't be engaged.