by Lauren Okely

Created on: October 08, 2007

I am convinced that there's more than five things that will completely ruin an otherwise great piece of writing. That much is obvious. However, the following lists outlines the five top things that will make me pull out my bookmark and throw aside your book.

1. Cliched characters.

I can cope with a cliched plot if the characters are interesting. I've often pondered when the world is going to run out of ideas and no one will be able to come up with an interesting, original plot. However, plots are reusable if they're thrown in with new and interesting characters.

2. Disappointing conclusion.

A thrill-a-page novel should end with a thrill. An expected ending, an over-used ending or a downright boring ending will destroy a good book. It's like getting food-poisoning at the end of a great holiday.

3. Over-using phrases and words.

This goes for more than just old cliches such as 'think outside the box'. Spicy writing uses synonyms and interesting phraseology.

4. Over complicating phrases.

Writing 'he said' twice on the same page is actually okay. Writing 'the words trickled off his tongue' twice on the same page may be over complicating things. Simple is effective when it's not merely repetitive.

5. Weak writing.

Passive verbs, indefinite words and boring verbs all weaken writing. It will become boring. It will often alienate the reader. You want to draw them in, shake them up and throw them out. Then perhaps my bookmark will stay in all the way to the end.

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