First, read through your story carefully. Look for any grammar or spelling mistakes. This is a basic but crucial step. Then, focus on the voice. Since it's a first - person story, make sure the narrator's voice is consistent throughout. For example, if the narrator is supposed to be a young child, the language should be simple and naive. Also, check the flow of the story. Are the events in a logical order? If not, you may need to rearrange some parts.
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.
Trim the excess. First drafts often have a lot of unnecessary words or descriptions. If a paragraph can be summed up in a few sentences without losing the essence, do it. This makes the story more concise and engaging.
First, read it through carefully to check for overall plot consistency. Make sure the story flows well from start to finish. Second, look at the characters. Ensure their development is believable and their actions are in line with their personalities. Third, check grammar and punctuation. Simple mistakes can distract readers. Fourth, pay attention to the pacing. If it's too slow in some parts, it might bore the readers.
First, check if the plot has a clear beginning, middle, and end. If it seems muddled, try to identify the main events and reorder them. For instance, if the climax occurs too early, it might be better to build up more tension before it.
It's a bad idea. Even if you think your writing is great, a professional editor can offer a fresh perspective. They can spot plot inconsistencies, weak character development, and other issues that you might miss. It's an investment in making your first novel the best it can be.
I was at a sports event. I was sitting on the bleachers and when I stood up quickly to cheer, my pants got stuck on the bench and gave me a wedgie. I was so red - faced. I had to quickly sit back down and fix it while trying to act normal.
One way is to describe your character's appearance and personality traits as they look in the mirror or reflect on themselves. Also, mention a memorable incident from their past that shaped them. These combined can provide a good introduction.