In a first person narrative short story, a big mistake is making the narrator unreliable without a good reason. The reader should be able to trust the narrator most of the time. Also, not enough character development can be a problem. Just because it's short doesn't mean your character can be flat. Don't forget to use proper grammar and punctuation. A lot of errors can make the story hard to read. And avoid having a too - complicated plot that can't be resolved in a short space.
Some common mistakes in first person narrative short stories include not having a clear point of view. The reader should always know who is speaking. Another is lack of authenticity. If you're writing about a historical event from a first - person perspective, do your research to make it believable. Don't use overly flowery language that doesn't fit the character. For example, if your narrator is a tough guy, he's not likely to use a lot of poetic language. And be careful not to have a rushed ending where everything is resolved too quickly.
One common mistake is over - explaining. Don't tell the reader every single thought. Let them figure some things out. Another is having an inconsistent voice. If your narrator is supposed to be a shy person, they can't suddenly be super confident. Also, avoid using too many clichés. Instead of 'it was a dark and stormy night', be more creative. And don't make the story too long - it's a short story after all.
One common mistake is over - using the word 'I'. It can become repetitive and annoying. Another is having an inconsistent voice. The character's personality should be consistent throughout the story. Also, not making the character believable. If the character's actions or thoughts don't seem real, it ruins the story. For example, if a shy character suddenly becomes super confident without any reason, it's not good.
One common mistake is starting with too much backstory. For example, 'I grew up in a small town where nothing much happened. I went to school, had some friends, and then...' This can bore the reader right away. Keep it concise at the start.
A big mistake is not establishing the narrator's personality clearly enough. The reader should have a good sense of who the narrator is from the start. Also, not paying attention to the pacing. If the story moves too quickly or too slowly, it can lose the reader's interest. And don't forget about the setting. In a first - person story, the narrator's perception of the setting is important, so describe it in a way that fits the character. For example, a detective might notice details that an ordinary person would miss.
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.
Avoid sending your story without proper proofreading. Spelling and grammar mistakes can be a big turn - off. Also, don't submit to a publisher without researching what they publish. You don't want to send a science - fiction story to a publisher that only focuses on romance. And don't forget to keep a copy of your story. You never know what might happen during the submission process.
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.
One common mistake is having too many characters. It can get confusing for the reader. Another is a weak plot. Make sure there is a real conflict and a resolution. Also, avoid using overly complicated language just for the sake of it. Simple and clear is often better. And don't forget to proofread for spelling and grammar errors.
One big no-no is having a confusing plot. Make sure your story flows logically and readers can follow easily.
Avoid ending a short story too abruptly. For example, if you've built up a complex plot and then just stop without any real resolution, it will leave the reader feeling cheated. It's like you've been leading them on a journey and then suddenly cut it short without reaching the destination.
When retelling a short story, avoid these mistakes. First, don't misinterpret the theme. If the story is about friendship, don't retell it as a story about competition. Second, don't over - simplify to the point where the story loses its meaning. For example, if there are complex relationships between characters in the story, don't just make them all friendly without explanation. Third, don't rush through the retelling. Take your time to ensure you cover all the necessary elements, like the build - up of tension and the resolution.