How Not to Lose Your Readers

At Serenade Publishing, we love a good chuckle, but we’re also serious about great storytelling. We’ve seen books that tug at heartstrings and others that send readers running for the hills!

If you’re a newbie writer, you might feel the urge to follow every piece of advice out there. But hey, knowing what **not to do** is just as important! So, let’s take a lighthearted dive into how to keep your readers from throwing your book out the window!

1. Don’t Turn Your Book into a Character Convention
Ever tried keeping track of 50 characters with names like Tom, Tim, and Tam? It's like trying to solve a Rubik's cube blindfolded! Stick to a smaller, memorable cast that actually adds something to the story. Your readers will thank you!

2. Emotions Aren’t Just for Soap Operas!
Imagine reading a nail-biting scene that reads like a cold pizza menu. Snooze fest, right? Readers want to feel the highs and lows. Pour your heart into those intense moments—make someone shed a tear on the subway!

3. Avoid Cliffhangers That Go Nowhere
Cliffhangers are thrilling, but leaving your story hanging like a bad punchline? Not cool. Instead of “to be continued… maybe?”, try wrapping things up in a way that leaves readers wanting more, not confused.

4. Flawless Protagonists Are So Yesterday
Perfect heroes? Yawn! Give your main character a few quirks—maybe they’re terrified of pigeons or can’t carry a tune. Flaws make them relatable and give readers someone to root for (even if they're a bit of a hot mess).

5. Clichés Are Not Your Best Friends
Sure, clichés are comforting, but using them too much is like wearing the same outfit every day—boring! Spice things up by giving familiar tropes a twist or ditching them for something fresh and funny.

6. Don’t Skip on Setting and Description
Action is great, but if your readers can’t picture where the chaos is happening, they might zone out. Take a moment to paint a vivid picture with your words. Let them smell the cookies baking or hear the thunder rumbling!

7. Ignore Feedback at Your Own Risk
Beta readers are like your book’s fairy godmothers. They can spot those pesky plot holes and character quirks you might miss. So, embrace their feedback—your story will shine brighter than a disco ball!

8. Don’t Race to the Finish Line
After pouring your heart and soul into your story, it’s tempting to rush the ending. But don’t leave your readers feeling like they just ate a half-baked cookie! Take time to tie up loose ends and give your characters a proper send-off.

9. Editing is Your New Best Bud
Editing might not be the glitzy part of writing, but it’s crucial. Don’t skip it! Check for grammar slips and ensure your narrative flows smoothly. A polished story is like a fresh pair of shoes—it just feels right!

10. Don’t Throw in the Towel
Writing can be tougher than herding cats, but don’t give up! Every great author faced rejection before hitting it big. Push through the blocks and keep your dreams alive. You’ve got this!

Making mistakes is part of the writing ride, and remember, writing is a journey, not a sprint. Every stumble is just a step towards greatness, and we’re here to cheer you on. So trust the process and watch your writing soar. Your readers are on the edge of their seats, waiting for the next chapter!