It’s been said that there is a trick in every trade, and writing is no exception. Writers looking for ways to increase their speed and productivity may find that making a few adjustments can really pay off, and these changes don’t have to be difficult to implement.
Create your space
Before you even put pen to paper or sit down at your keyboard, give some consideration to your workspace. It should be comfortable and distraction free, with whatever materials you need close at hand.
Create a regular writing routine
Experienced writers know that it’s a good idea to get in as much practice as possible, and setting a daily routine can help. As you put your schedule in place, make note of any “time wasters” you come across, and when you’re done, think of ways you can address them.
Writing every day also keeps your skills sharp. It really doesn’t matter what you write about, just so long as you do it. “Word Sprints’ are often recommended, and this simply means writing as much as you can within a set period of time without worrying about grammar etc. The goal is to open your creative floodgates, and setting a timer will be useful in keeping yourself on track.
Be ready when an idea strikes
Sometimes, inspiration for a topic or an idea can come to mind out of the blue. Savvy writers keep their phone or a notepad handy so they can jot down these points for later so they aren’t forgotten. Some even collect these thoughts in a file on their computer so they can turn to it when needed.
Create your plan
Before you start work on an article, post or other piece, create a plan. Draft an outline, and when you’re looking for sources, try to be as specific with your search terms as possible. This will prevent wasting time when searching for information. It can be a good idea to prepare your plan separately from writing, and going out and getting a change of scenery can help creativity flow faster.
Break down large projects
If you have a large project to work on, break it down into a series of smaller tasks. This can help it to seem less overwhelming. Remember that, as readers tend to have a short attention span, it can be a good idea to follow the K.I.S.S. (keep it simple, stupid) principle. Bullet points can make information easier to read and absorb.
Wait before your edit
Experienced writers have earned that writing and editing and different processes, and should be undertaken separately. They opt to edit their work when it’s finished, not as they go, and this tends to be more efficient,
Don’t be afraid to set deadlines
Setting a deadline can be a useful tool in avoiding the pitfall of procrastination. Many find that the tighter the deadline, the more focused they are. Just make sure they are reasonable.
Writer’s block can happen to anyone, and it can really slow you down. If you’re stuck searching for just the right word, consider using placeholder in the meantime. This way, you can keep on working and return to the placeholder later on with a fresh eye.
Take advantage of technology
Technology such as voice to text apps can really speed up the writing process for those who are comfortable using them. They may be especially suited to those with a visual or other disability that makes typing difficult. There’s lots on the market, which means that there’s one for just about anyone. Try a few for yourself and find out which ones are best suited to your personal style and needs.
Reward yourself
Giving yourself some TLC can lead to greater efficiency, and it can also lead to increased motivation. Create a series of small rewards to treat yourself as you reach certain goals, and a larger one for when the project is complete.
Learning how to write faster can help those in the field to create more quickly, and these hacks are often simple to put in place. Including them in your process may make it possible for you to efficiently create high quality work.