How I Mastered Fast Writing: Tips for Aspiring Writers
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Chapter 1 The Journey to Writing Efficiency
When I began my online writing journey in 2020, crafting just one article each week felt like an uphill battle. Fast forward to today, I now produce one article daily across multiple platforms. For those who have been following my progress, you know I’m building my online writing business alongside a full-time job.
Section 1.1 Embrace Short-Form Content
Producing high-quality long-form articles can be time-consuming. Instead, I often opt for shorter pieces ranging from 150 to 1,500 words. Sometimes, the best way to engage your audience is through concise and impactful writing.
Subsection 1.1.1 Avoid the Editing Trap
My guiding principle is "Keep going!" To write quickly, it’s essential to resist the urge to pause and edit as you go. Maintain your flow, and you can always revisit your work later for editing or even publish it right away without second-guessing yourself.
Section 1.2 Utilize Parkinson’s Law
The time allocated for a task often expands to fill the available time. I’ve learned to maximize my productivity by setting strict time limits, especially since I write during my lunch breaks or after putting my toddler to bed. Previously, I could spend hours writing and researching, but now I stick to the 1-2 hours I have available. Even without other responsibilities, try setting a timer to enhance your focus.
Chapter 2 Shift Your Mindset
Avoid labeling yourself as a slow writer. Instead, adopt a positive mindset by affirming that you can write quickly and efficiently, aiming for a post or newsletter daily. This mental shift can significantly enhance your writing speed.
Section 2.1 Write with the Reader in Mind
When you find yourself stuck, take a moment to consider a question you’ve received. Reflect on how you can explain it clearly to someone else. By focusing on the reader’s understanding, you can better concentrate on what’s truly important.
Section 2.2 Maintain a Topic List
I keep a running list of potential topics for future writing. Recently, I discovered the voice-to-text feature in Google Notes, which has transformed how I capture ideas. Whenever inspiration strikes, I simply use my smartphone to jot down my thoughts.
Section 2.3 Keep an Editorial Calendar
I highly recommend using an editorial calendar. It simplifies the decision-making process, especially for my newsletter. By following a plan, I know what I want to discuss as I write, which streamlines my content creation.
Section 2.4 Master the Inverted Pyramid Technique
During my journalism studies, I learned the value of writing concise and engaging news. Imagine what someone might shout out in excitement: “You won’t believe what happened!” This approach emphasizes the 5Ws: Who, What, Where, When, Why, and How. If you can answer these questions, you already have the foundation for your article. Additional details can enhance your story, but it's not always necessary.
Are there any other strategies to write faster?
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