What are the common mistakes in writing a 1st person narrative short story?

One common mistake is over - explaining. Don't tell the reader every single thought. Let them figure some things out. Another is having an inconsistent voice. If your narrator is supposed to be a shy person, they can't suddenly be super confident. Also, avoid using too many clichés. Instead of 'it was a dark and stormy night', be more creative. And don't make the story too long - it's a short story after all.

First, think about the purpose of your 1st person narrative short story. Is it to entertain, to make a point, or to share an experience? Once you know that, create a narrator who can fulfill that purpose. For instance, if it's to make a point about the importance of friendship, your narrator could be someone who learned this the hard way. Then, build a simple yet engaging plot. Maybe start with a problem like a fight with a friend. As the story progresses, show how the narrator grows and changes. Use dialogue sparingly but effectively to reveal more about the characters.

One common mistake is over - using the 'I' pronoun. It can make the story seem self - centered. Another is not developing the protagonist's character enough. They end up being flat. Also, inconsistent voice. If the protagonist is supposed to be a young girl, but the language used is too sophisticated, it doesn't work.

A big mistake is when the dialogue doesn't match the character's background or personality. For example, if your character is from a poor rural area but uses very sophisticated language all the time. And some writers make the dialogue too long - winded. It should be concise and to the point, especially if the character is in a tense situation. Also, forgetting to add emotions or subtext to the dialogue can make it seem flat.

One common mistake is overusing the 'you' pronoun to the point where it becomes repetitive and annoying. Another is not creating a strong enough connection between the reader and the story's events. If the reader doesn't feel involved, it fails. Also, being too prescriptive can be a problem. For example, telling the reader exactly how they should feel instead of letting the story evoke the emotions naturally.

One big no-no is having a confusing plot. Make sure your story flows logically and readers can follow easily.

One big no-no is having a confusing plot. Make sure your story has a clear beginning, middle, and end that readers can follow easily.

One common mistake is including too much detail. Remember, it's a summary, not a retelling. Another is failing to identify the main theme or message. For example, if the short story is about friendship but the summary doesn't mention how the characters' friendship developed or what it means, that's a problem.

One common element is a well - defined character. For example, a brave knight. Another is a setting, like a dark forest. And of course, a plot, which could be the knight's quest to slay a dragon in the forest.

It depends. Sometimes a 1st person narrative can make the story feel more intimate and personal. But a 3rd person one gives a broader view of the events.