One common mistake is overusing the 'you' pronoun to the point where it becomes repetitive and annoying. Another is not creating a strong enough connection between the reader and the story's events. If the reader doesn't feel involved, it fails. Also, being too prescriptive can be a problem. For example, telling the reader exactly how they should feel instead of letting the story evoke the emotions naturally.
In writing a second person pov story, one error is not considering the diversity of the readers. You can't assume all readers will have the same experiences or reactions. Also, inconsistent pacing can be a problem. If the story drags in some parts and rushes in others, it's hard for the reader to stay engaged. Another common mistake is not using the second person pov to its full potential. For example, not really making the reader feel like they are living the story, but rather just reading about someone else in a 'you' format. This can make the story seem flat and uninteresting.
One common mistake is over - using the 'I' pronoun. It can make the story seem self - centered. Another is not developing the protagonist's character enough. They end up being flat. Also, inconsistent voice. If the protagonist is supposed to be a young girl, but the language used is too sophisticated, it doesn't work.
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.
One common mistake is making the narrator too perfect. Real people have flaws, so your narrator should too. Another is over - explaining. Let the reader figure some things out on their own. Also, not staying true to the character's voice throughout the story can be a problem.
Well, first, think about the voice. In second person pov, it should be like you're directly talking to the reader. Use short, punchy sentences sometimes to create a sense of urgency. For an engaging story, make the reader the hero or the center of the story. Let's say it's a love story. You could write, 'You see her across the room, and your heart skips a beat.' Include lots of sensory details, like how things look, feel, taste, smell, and sound. This makes the story more immersive.
One common mistake is making the monolouge too self - indulgent. It should serve the story and the character development, not just be a random rant. Another mistake is inconsistent voice. If your character is a simple - minded farmer, don't use overly complex vocabulary in their monolouge. Also, avoid over - explaining. Let the reader figure some things out on their own through the character's thoughts.
The main elements are really about immersion. You need to put the reader right in the middle of the action. So, that means describing things in a way that is immediate. For instance, instead of saying 'He saw a beautiful view', in 2nd person it would be 'You see a beautiful view that takes your breath away.' And the plot should be something that the 'you' can drive forward. It can't be too passive. You have to be the one making decisions, like 'You decide to turn left at the fork in the road, not knowing what lies ahead.'
The main key element is a strong and distinct voice. Since it's first person, the 'I' character has to be unique. For example, if the narrator is a detective, they might have a cynical and observant voice. Another element is a clear focus on the narrator's experiences and thoughts. You can't deviate too much from what the 'I' is seeing, feeling, or thinking. Also, a good first person pov short story often has a personal conflict or goal that the narrator is dealing with, like trying to solve a mystery or overcome a fear.
A strong sense of personal experience. The story should feel like it's the narrator's unique story. This could be a particular event that only they witnessed or a personal struggle. For instance, in a story about a war, the narrator could talk about how they felt the first time they saw a bomb go off near them. And details! Details that are relevant to the narrator's view, like 'I noticed the way the sun hit the broken glass on the street that day.' It all helps to build the world from their perspective.
One big no-no is having a confusing plot. Make sure your story flows logically and readers can follow easily.
First, plan your story well before you start writing. Then, avoid cliches and stereotypes. And always keep your audience in mind.