The mistake that makes writing boring

Have you ever picked up a book that you couldn’t finish because it was too boring?

There are way too many boring books out there even though it’s a very preventable problem.
Whether you are writing a memoir, a how-to nonfiction book, fiction—or frankly any type of writing, today’s video will give you some hints on how to make your writing more interesting and engaging by avoiding this common mistake.

[cosmicprison]

The main problem I have with the over-emphasis of conflict is that a lot of writers hear the word “conflict” and think “characters fighting with each other over nothing” — rather than “characters respectfully disagreeing with each other on fundamental issues” (such as in Star Trek).

[ginacinnamon]

Good tips actually for those whose easily get bored writing novels

[sofiaoriana]

Agreed. Don't treat your characters too preciously, put them through hell and back. It doesn't have to be a zombie apoclypse, it can funny or family drama but it shouldn't be all smooth sailing. Also don't write conflict for conflicts sake. The conflict should move the plot forward where the characters end up in a different place then they started. Even feel-good books having conflict. Love your content!

[patricia]

It's a great video I'm surprised it doesn't have more views !

[ahubuni]

This was super helpful! I am trying to write an opening for my visual novel and this helps a lot :D

[TaLila]

You helped me understand what the conflict is in the story. Thank you!

[francesnordan]

Yeah I am a horror writer and it's true that people want to feel something

[pauligrossinoz]

It seems odd to me that _any_ writer would push back on the focus on conflict.

I'm trying to write a novel now, and my starting point was 'don't be boring', but it took me a while to realise that _lack of conflict is just boring._

Now I'm sold on the idea of needing continuous conflict to keep the reader engaged. I wish I saw this video years ago. 👍

[longevityliving]

Interesting. The book I’m writing is probably like a memoir and I think so far I have actually left out some conflict on purpose thinking that it didn’t follow the subject matter. I’m going to start thinking about this differently now. It could be challengin but an interesting challenge. Thanks Datta!

[aaronsaunders]

I wouldn’t enjoy it, but would try to resolve the book by getting to the ending. Recently encountered a really boring novelette.

[Opa_Joke]

I have problems sticking too long at something sometimes before something happens

[mindy]

If you ever want to read a boring book I recommend "The Road". It started bleak and depressing and only kept getting worse until I threw it at the wall with only a few chapters til books end. Lol. I have read Holocaust stories that were less grim. I am sure it was what the writer was going for, but it should have been the characters who suffered, not the readers.
I think predictability should be the second deadly sin for boring writing. Of course clichés.

[zigaudrey]

Life is full of conflict, mental and physical. Even the smallest thing. But that human, right?

[EmilyGloeggler]

Even with no mistakes, writing is boring to me, and I honestly am happier focusing on more important things. :)

[FondsRL]

My new story i am writing seems fun to me but i think the best way to judge is with others criticizing it so i will give the first couple 500 words or some if someone is interested in criticizing it


Something seems odd about
nature. It so beautiful yet so dangerous. As lovely as frogs are some can kill multiple with one touch yet they are magnificent looking creatures. Hiding their poison from our vision, yet sometimes these beautiful creatures arent dangerous and just wanna be left alone they mean no harm, only if u do

But humans. What do they have?
No mesmerizing colors. No actual danger. Just our creations can destroy, but us alone? Nothing... we made ships. Airplanes. Entire city's full of weapons and money. But it didn't start like that. Nature didn't just give them towns of gold. They started out like all the others. So maybe just maybe. They do have something. They aren't beautiful like the others not dangerous like them. But one thing they do have. Intelligence

Medieval times circa 500 A.D.

Axes chopping, Armor shining.
Humans where doing good, well depends on how u look at it. I see it as a beautiful era full of life and battle. But you might see it differently. Even though we have different visions we can agree that this era. Was a era full of battles. Humans are a large group of animals all fighting for the first spot as much as it might not seem like it today there are still ones trying to sit on the throne above all. But every single one is unique not all wanna be rulers some just wanna life the best life or become a wealthy hero. Either way they all have there own story its hard to know all so lets focus on one singular book in the library and read it with passion.

Mom! Look i got one! A fish the boy said smilling from ear to ear.
I wonder what its name is, i got it! Jeffry. He said as his mom agrees with him. Sounds wonderful now we have something to eat tonight.
Ahw.. but i wanna keep him.
Fine but who is gonna take care of jeffry. I will! Of course you will. The mom said to herself. the boy ran outside through the corn farms and past the knights he was running through streets with Jeffry in both hands like it was his own child. He went to a shop. And bought some food and bowl for Jeffry. "That will be five gold!"
Oh... i only have four my mom said that would be enough.... listen kid. the shopkeeper said. I am not gonna give it for free but if you grab that broom and clean that dirty floor i will think about it. But the boy had jeffry in his hands he cant leave him somewhere on a table to grab the broom. The shopkeeper agreed to hold the fish for him as the wind was blowing past his face from the door that smashed into its frame. Dust touching the sky
, the kid was doing really well. And the shopkeeper noticed too, he said: ok that is good you can get your stuff! But first.. what is your name kid?
"My name is josh sir, josh wasel"

[alexcracker]

"У вас несчастные случаи на стройке были?
Не, пока еще ни одного не было.
Будут"
That is from one russian film "Операция Ы"