Common Mistakes Writers Make and How to Fix Them

Writing is hard work. Even seasoned writers struggle. If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure, you’re not alone. That’s where a trusted coach can help. I’m Margaret South, and after decades in Hollywood and classrooms, I’ve seen the same mistakes appear time and again. The good news? Most of them are fixable—and usually faster than you think.

Whether you’re working on your first screenplay or revising your tenth novel, I’m here to share the most common mistakes I see in my private coaching sessions and how you can fix them.

Starting Without a Clear Structure

Many writers jump into their projects full of energy. But soon they hit a wall. Why? They didn’t start with a clear plan. Structure doesn’t limit creativity—it supports it. Without it, the story drifts. Scenes feel random. The reader loses interest.

One of the first things I teach as a private writing coach is how to build a solid foundation using tools like the Beat Sheet. With this map in hand, your story gains momentum. You always know where you’re going. And more importantly, so does your reader.

Writing Without Knowing What the Story Is About

Sounds strange, right? But this is more common than you think. Writers often know the setting, the characters, and even the ending. But when I ask them, “What’s your story about?”—they pause.

If you can’t answer this question in one sentence, chances are your story is still hiding from you. That doesn’t mean the idea isn’t good. It just needs clarity. As a writing coach once put it, “You don’t have to know everything—but you do need to know the core.” I help writers find that core. Once they do, the rest falls into place.

Dialogue That Sounds Like Dialogue

Real people don’t speak in full sentences. They interrupt. They pause. They say the wrong thing. One big mistake writers make is writing conversations that sound too perfect.

I work closely with writers to bring their dialogue to life. The goal isn’t to mimic real speech word-for-word, but to make it feel real. Small tweaks go a long way. If your dialogue feels stiff, chances are your characters aren’t talking—they’re delivering lines. And your readers can tell.

Overwriting the Emotional Moments

When something big happens in your story, it’s tempting to explain everything. But powerful scenes rarely need extra words. One of the most valuable lessons I offer as a writing coach is how to trust the moment.

Show the moment. Then stop. Let the silence do the rest. When writers cut back on heavy explanation, the impact grows. That’s one of the key steps to writing scenes that readers remember.

Waiting Too Long to Get Feedback

Writing can be lonely. And letting someone read your work can be scary. But waiting too long can cost you time. That’s why many writers search for a writing coach —they want fast, honest feedback in a safe space.

I’ve worked with writers of all ages and stages. Some are polishing novels. Others are pitching pilots. All of them benefit from talking through their work. My coaching isn’t about rules. It’s about results.

Whether it’s one session or ongoing support, I help writers cut through confusion and move forward with confidence.

Not Knowing When a Draft Is Done

The line between revision and perfectionism is thin. Some writers tweak forever. Others rush to finish. I guide my clients to understand the difference between refining and reworking.

In our sessions, I focus on clarity, pacing, and rhythm. When a draft is done, you feel it. You know your story has shape, purpose, and heart. That’s what readers respond to.

The Bottom Line

I’m Margaret South, and I’ve spent more than 30 years helping writers make their work stronger. I’ve developed scripts for Disney, Tri-Star, HBO, and more. I co-founded All Girl Productions with Bette Midler and helped bring Beaches to life.

But the work I love most is coaching. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, having a writing coach near you can change everything. I bring both industry insight and teaching skills to every session. And I make the process feel doable.

If you’re asking, “Where can I find a writing coach near me who really gets it?”—you just did. Let’s make your writing better. Let’s get your story told.