Novel no-no's

I'm reading How Not to Write a Novel: 200 Classic Mistakes and How to Avoid Them--A Misstep-by-Misstep Guide (Paperback)
by Howard Mittelmark (Author), Sandra Newman (Author)

Yes, dear blog readers, I'm actually studying the craft which I hope will spare future editors *some* of the mistakes that, although obvious to readers, are not as obvious apparently to writers. This book has made me laugh out loud at times and blush at others. In fact, since it's written by those who have spent many years rejecting books for mistakes that could have been fixed, my theory is that it's worth a read. Or two. I warn you, however, that it is written with a humorous attitude that takes no hostages so if you're of the sensitive bent, you might not like it. However, if you're that sensitive, you probably don't want to deal with rejection slips either.

Some are obvious mistakes and others may not be. Mistakes such as: plots that forget cell phones exist. If the character doesn't have one and the plot is set in the present, you better explain why. Writing styles that are redundant, sound like an inventory, or work only to flaunt the writer's vocabulary at the sake of taking away from the book are discussed. Making villains ALL bad, which results in cardboard characterization. How not to write dialog. And on and on.

I've also found some great software programs that help organize writing. PowerWrite and Power Structure for PC and I'm checking out Scrivener for Mac which is a powerful, affordable program that appeals to me since it has a virtual corkboard and timeline as well as the ability to look at several screens at once to check research or edit related passages for those domino plot changes - when you change one thing and it affects five others. I used to use index cards but these software programs provide accessible and virtual forms of organization that are very helpful.

So why do I want to do this? I don't know!!!! (oops too many exclamation points)

I've already written a few novels, one of which Meredith really likes, although I feel I've moved on from the Voice Of That Character (too many caps).

My next character could be an elf, a dragon - or another human. Anybody. Just not cats, they warn, unless it's your main character. And if you do have to write about a cat, don't give it a two word name. Like Mister Fluffy. No, not good.

Which blows the idea I had of an undercover feline. Investigator Underfoot? No, huh?