Common mistakes authors make:

1) Opening the story too slowly, trying to do too much story set up at the front end. I've heard more than one successful writer say, "Write the first three chapters and throw out one and two, and begin with chapter three."

2) Telling instead of showing.

3) Not enough conflict.

4) Hero/Heroine not sympathetic.

5) Hero/Heroine don't have well developed motivation or goals.

6) Pacing (usually too slow).

7) Contriving events rather than letting them unfold naturally.

Suggestions for better writing:

1) Write tight. Use the motto "Less is best".

2) Avoid overuse of adverbs, mainly words ending in "ly".

3) Use more dialogue. Look for places where you have used narrative, but can do the same thing with dialogue.

4) Incorporate emotion.

5) Read, read, read! Especially the genre you're writing.

6) Set goals and put them in writing.

Saving sanity and creativity:

1) Replenishment. Allow yourself enough rest and relaxation.

2) Regular exercise and fresh air.

3) Do at least one thing you enjoy doing every day.

4) Meditation/prayer.

5) Chocolate.

6) A supportive critique group.

7) Try to write on a regular basis.

8) Stop judging and criticizing yourself.

9) Allow yourself to "write bad" (you'll be surprised how good it actually is!).

10) Use positive affirmations and visualization.

11) Celebrate every contest win or placement, every achievement, every victory.

12) Celebrate life.