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Tips to Write Faster
Does your writing feel like it’s taking forever? Looking for tips to lean how to write faster? Perfect! I’ve got a few tips for you here that will get you started on the path toward quicker sprints and wordcounts.
So many people wonder how can you write a lot in a short amount of time. It comes down to planning, tricks of the trade, and dedication to your craft.
I hope these tips help you learn how to write faster and enhance your journey.
You’ll be well on your way to writing faster and better, because of careful planning, learning to avoid distraction, and finding the motivation you need to keep going.
“Start writing, no matter what. The water does not flow until the faucet is turned on.” — Louis L’Amour
As writers, we often hold ourselves back and that shows up in our writing speed. It’s hard to edit a blank page.
Writing faster is a ongoing writing process. Setting aside writing time is important, as are good strategies, but what else can you do to improve your writing speed?
Writing Tips to Increase Your Writing Speed
1. Write freely without editing as you go.
Writing skills aren’t about getting it right the first time. It’s about getting words down, and building momentum. There will be time for that later, but if you’re already criticizing what you’ve written or changing things, you’ll dampen down your creativity and stop your writing flow.
“I’m writing a first draft and reminding myself that I’m simply shoveling sand into a box so that later I can build castles.” ― Shannon Hale
2. Plan what you’ll be writing about before starting.
Having a path to get from point A to point B will help you move forward. When a writer doesn’t know where they’re headed, it’s like trying to travel blindfolded on a road you’ve never been on.
“…I’ve learned that the more time I spend on the outline the easier the book is to write. And if I cheat on the outline I get in trouble with the book.” — John Grisham
3. Try different methods like dictation, typing, or freehand.
What if you tried dictating your words? We speak faster than we write, and you may find that unlocks your burden. Many people are amazed how many words they can accomplish in mere minutes by switching to dictation. On the other hand, your creativity may flow while handwriting words. If you’re a pen and paper person, try typing out your words instead. Mix things up to see if one method is faster. You don’t know until you try.
“Talent is cheaper than table salt. What separates the talented individual from the successful one is a lot of hard work.” —Steven King
4. Set a time limit.
There’s a website called Write or Die (WriteOrDie.com) that sets up consequences if you don’t keep going. You’ll watch the seconds and minutes with adrenaline rushing, knowing that time wasted will bite you in the arse. Talk about lighting a fire under you! Using different procrastination busters can be a big help. There’s also a site that helps you gamify writing. 4theWords.com is a fun option if that motivates you.
“If my doctor told me I had only six minutes to live, I wouldn’t brood. I’d type a little faster.” —Isaac Asimov
5. Remove as many distractions as you’re able.
Headphones are your friend if you don’t have a quiet space. As a writer, noise-canceling headphones are even better. Check out the wildly popular BOSE headphones here at Amazon*. Looking for a cheaper alternative? You can still get the BOSE QuietComfort 35 headphones, which will save you a good chunk of change. (*as an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.)
Turn off the WiFi connection if you’re on a laptop, go somewhere else to write, use an app like Cold Turkey or Freedom. The choice is yours, but nobody can walk away from the distraction except for you. Make it a priority.