Tips on Speeding Up the Writing Process

Outline, be goal-oriented, streamline notes

Writing is time consuming. So how can I write faster? These are the methods that have helped me speed things along. I'd love to hear what works for you.

1. Have a good OUTLINE. Mapping out your approach and what you want to say in advance is the easiest way to avoid running into difficulties or writing yourself into a corner and having to figure out how to get through the impasse. (But have faith, you will figure it out!) Personally, I prefer a simple bullet outline to remind me of what I want to cover. For more info: https://pshoffman.com/write-better/ways-to-outline-your-novel/

2. Be very GOAL-ORIENTED in your entire approach, particularly in taking good NOTES and streamlining them. If your notes are good, the piece will practically write itself.

But avoid wasting time over-researching a topic. Don't go down rabbit holes chasing down facts that don't really matter to your work. Ask yourself whether this is research you could just as well omit?

Avoid disorganization. Keep notes organized so you can find them, and avoid the biggest writing sin of omission: not writing up ideas when they come and forgetting about them altogether, or only partially remembering them later. Avoid distraction and this problem is less likely.

3. Keep track of WORD COUNT. No sense in overshooting the runway. Plus, you want to be sure you don't accidentally lose a section. (Regularly save a back up copy to a thumb drive.)

4. Minimize PERFECTIONISM: It's enough to give the reader something interesting that they want to read. It doesn't always have to be something completely unique and new to the canon of human knowledge. Don't set the bar so high for yourself that the writing never gets done.

Particularly if you're working on a longer project or a book, these hints are important. Best of luck in getting your stuff out the door asap!