Common Mistakes
Whether you’re just getting started writing fanfiction, or your story has been rejected for not meeting the site's standards, this is the place to start. This is a list of the most common mistakes in fanfiction here at Tokio Hotel Fiction and some tips on how to avoid them.
- 1. Posting Without A Spell Check – There is no excuse for not using spell
check. Even if your spelling is perfect, typos are still possible. There are many free
spell check programs available online.
2. Posting Without A Beta Reader – Spell check can't catch everything. A beta reader can help catch all those common mistakes like their/there/they're or lie/lay. They can also correct grammar problems, improve the flow of your writing, and give you advice on your plot. Once you have a good working relationship with your beta reader, they become an extremely valuable asset. The best part about having a beta reader is that when you make a really embarrassing mistake, only one person sees it.
3. Dialogue Problems – This is such a common problem we have dedicated an entire article just to the basic rules of dialogue and how to improve your dialogue. Learn about the basics of formatting dialogue, avoid common mistakes, and improve your style.
4. Choosing The Wrong POV – The point of view you choose to use in your story can make a lot of difference. Many new writers choose first person POV because it seems more familiar, but writing in first person often makes writing a quality story more challenging. For more information on choosing the right POV for your story, check out our POV guide.
5. Inviting Mary Sue – Mary Sue is a name given to OFCs who are obnoxiously perfect, stereotypical, or underdeveloped. Many beginning authors make the mistake of creating characters who are Mary Sues. Unfortunately, Mary Sue is not a very interesting character, and leads to very boring stories that not many people want to read. Check out our guide on Mary Sue for more information on who she is, and how to avoid writing her. For tips on creating non-Sue original characters, see our Original Characters guide.
6. Writing Boys As Girls – Let's face it, most of us here are girls and we think like girls. This means we have to be cautious about writing male characters who think and act like girls. You don't need to conform to specific gender stereotypes, but writing the boys with excessively feminine qualities is a big newbie mistake. Try to get into the mind of your male characters. Think about men you know in real life and how they would react to a certain situation.
7. Choosing A Tired Story Line – It's hard to come up with anything completely original these days, especially when we are all writing about the same group of guys, but some effort should be made to avoid telling the same story over and over again. It's okay to have some overlap. There's nothing wrong with having fifty different stories about Tokio Hotel touring, as long as every story brings its own unique plot twists and interaction to the table. Before you start writing, take a look at what else has been written in that genre and see if you can come up with a new twist.
8. Am I plagiarizing? – Plagiarism is a very serious offense, and sometimes it’s hard to tell the difference between plagiarism, and simply borrowing ideas, or getting “inspiration” from another source. Anyone can write an mpreg; that is just an idea. However, taking writing directly from another author’s mpreg and slightly altering the text is blatant plagiarism. Your story will be deleted.
9. Picking The Wrong Title – Your title should grab the reader’s attention and make them want to read more. In most cases, a shorter title better. Don't give away too much about your plot in the title.
- a. Before you decide on a title, search for it and make sure it's not being used
already.
b. Do not try to put your story first in alphabetical lists by putting symbols or periods or html tags before the title. If you do, you will be asked to change the title.
10. Writing Without Realism and Credibility – Your story has to be believable. Even if you are writing in an unbelievable genre like mpreg or sci-fi, your story still needs to have credibility. The reader needs to be able to immerse themselves in the story and believe that this really could happen. Establishing credibility means keeping control of your characters, explaining and showing their motives as well as their actions, and staying consistent throughout the story. If a character suddenly changes their feelings about another character, you need to show the reader why. If a character does something drastic and unexpected, you had better establish a motive. People always have a motive for their behavior, and if you fail to show the reader the motive when something happens, your story will seem unrealistic and lose credibility.
11. Forgetting To Research – No one is asking you to be an expert on every subject you incorporate into your story, but it is important to be knowledgeable. You don't need to do the sort of research you'd do for an academic report, but at least look in to what you are writing about. Some genres require more research than others. A basic story about Tokio Hotel on tour probably won’t require too much research if you're already a fan, but a more complex story involving real life issues like abuse, mental illness, traveling to different countries, or the boys' lives before Tokio Hotel might require more research. Some subjects like mpreg can require tons of specific research to even come close to seeming realistic. Skipping on research can lead to a story that lacks realism and credibility. Starting with a Google search or a trip to Wikipedia is a good way to get started with some basic research.