Ask a group of authors what they’d change about their writing routine, and most are likely to say, “I wish I could write faster and publish more.” For many of us, there never seem to be enough hours in the day to reach the word counts we aspire to, but that doesn’t mean we should lay down our pens or close the lids of our laptops and give up.
Like most things in life, the more you work at increasing your writing speed, the easier it will be to see progress. Fortunately, for authors looking to up their word counts, there are as many tricks and tools for increasing your writing speed as there are cute cat videos on YouTube. While the following list is far from exhaustive, it does offer a variety of methods many authors have found helpful for increasing their daily word counts and finishing that first draft faster.
- Organize to Energize
Being prepared works for the Boy Scouts, and it can work for you too. Try defining specific writing targets, like word counts or the number of chapters, to accomplish each day. Having clear objectives can keep you focused and on track.
Before beginning a new project, creating an outline can prevent you from getting stuck and help you move quickly from one scene to the next. If you find outlining too restrictive, try creating a list of major moments that will occur throughout your story or jot down a quick paragraph or two that captures your thoughts for each chapter so that when you reach that spot later, you’re not left staring at a blank page.
Those who favor complete “pantsing” may want to consider techniques like the one used by Ernest Hemingway, who stopped his writing sessions mid-sentence so he knew exactly where to start his next session. Whether a pantser or a planner, batch writing-related tasks like brainstorming, outlining, and editing. Focusing on one task at a time can be more efficient, especially so you’re not having to make creative decisions while in a business mindset.
- Get Zen before Picking up Your Pen
Working in a peaceful writing space can put you in the frame of mind to write like the wind. Set up a comfortable and distraction-free environment. Having a dedicated space tailored to your optimal writing mood can help you get into the writing mindset more quickly and keep you there longer. Include items that make you feel calm and productive, such as fuzzy slippers, a warm blanket, scented candles, or your favorite mug.
Try writing at the same time every day to condition your mind to expect writing time, making it easier to start and maintain momentum. During this time, minimize interruptions by turning off notifications, blocking distracting websites, and letting others know you’re unavailable.
- Make Writing A Challenge
When writing is fun, it’s easy to level up, so why not try sprints for the win? Set a timer for fifteen to thirty minutes and write as much as you can without stopping. Whether you do this on your own or as part of a group, sprints can be a great way to hone your physical and mental writing muscles and increase your speed. You could even gamify your writing by using an app like the Most Dangerous Writing App (https://www.squibler.io/dangerous-writing-prompt-app), which deletes your writing if you don’t work fast enough, or Written? Kitten! (https://writtenkitten.co), which rewards you with cute kitty pictures for meeting your word goals.
Use tools like word count trackers or writing apps to monitor your daily word count with the goal of beating your previous day’s words each day. Seeing your accomplishments can motivate you to keep writing quickly.
Engaging in writing challenges like National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) is a great way to push yourself to write more in a short period.
Pro Tip: When participating in group activities like sprints, make sure to agree on the rules beforehand. Having everyone on the same page and knowing what to expect from the session keeps the group productive yet fun.
- Keep the Word Train Rolling
When the goal is speed, it’s best to avoid habits that derail your ability to move forward in your story. Consider starting your session with a few minutes of freewriting to clear your mind and get into the flow.
Embracing imperfection can help you focus on getting words down faster rather than crafting perfect sentences. You can always edit later, but you can’t edit a blank page. The key is to keep the momentum going. If you find yourself stuck on a detail, use a placeholder such as “[description here]” and move on. Also limit research during writing time—instead, make notes on what needs further investigation and research later.
Set deadlines. Even self-imposed deadlines can create a sense of urgency and motivate you to write faster.
Pro Tip: In his book Writing into the Dark, author Dean Wesley Smith describes a looping technique that helps writers reinforce the habit of not editing or re-reading while getting through their first draft. If you get stuck, he writes, go back a few hundred words and revise or rewrite those paragraphs. Then, keep writing. He also suggests writing out of order as inspiration strikes and outlining chapters after you finish them to spot patterns or plot threads in your writing.
- Embrace Technology to Scale Your Speed
Scrivener, Ulysses, and even basic word processors often have minimalistic modes to help you stay focused and organized. Many software programs also offer tools like word count trackers, timers, and reviews of your manuscripts that can help you improve your writing and track writing speed.
If you find typing slower than speaking, then why not try your hand, or rather your voice, at dictation to up your word count? Using speech-to-text software like Dragon Dictation can help you get your ideas down quickly, with only minimal edits required to correct transcription issues. Try dictating your first draft, then go back and edit for clarity and style. This separation can speed up the drafting process.
Pro Tip: While many authors shy away from letting AI do their actual writing, it can also be a useful tool for increasing writing speed. Most AI programs use natural language processing to help it understand human language, which means it can be useful for helping you find the right word or phrasing, brainstorming when you’re stuck, and even translating your work.
- Write When It Feels Right
Not everyone writes in the same way, at the same time of day, or for the same amount of time. Identify when you’re most creative and focused during the day and schedule your writing sessions during these times. Try several locations, public and private, to get a feel for the spaces, noise levels, and levels of interaction with others that allow you to work your best.
Consider keeping a log of your word counts in a variety of writing environments. Keeping track of times, moods, and places when you’re least or most productive can provide valuable insight and clue you into what to seek out or avoid when trying to increase your productivity.
- Create a Writing Playlist
Some writers find that listening to certain music or ambient sounds can help them focus and write faster. Try asking other writers what they listen to when writing, or check out playlists on YouTube and your favorite go-to music apps.
You can even bring your audience in on the fun. Consider asking existing or potential readers for their suggestions. Not only is this a great way to engage with your audience, but it might even encourage you to write faster so you can grow your reader list.
- Join a Writing Group
Try getting social for success. Writing groups are a great place for sharing tips and techniques, learning new processes, and hearing what is and isn’t working for others with goals similar to your own. Search Facebook, Discord, or other social media for groups that focus on sprints or other activities that help increase your output.
Pro Tip: When choosing a writing group, be sure they mesh well with you and your writing so they can help you reach your author goals. It’s important that you get along with them, but you’ll also need them to fit with your writing style and commitment level like a favorite pair of comfy pants.
- Head back to Class
If you’ve tried increasing your writing speed on your own but still haven’t found the success you’ve been hoping for, consider signing up for a class, course, or coaching sessions with fellow authors. They’re great for learning new habits, methods, and techniques that can increase your productivity. A simple web search will turn up tons of options, but also consider getting recommendations from professional organizations, such as the Alliance of Independent Authors, or fellow authors you trust. Or check out IAM‘s sister site, Indie Author Training (https://indieauthortraining.com), which offers a library of courses and tech webinars from vetted, knowledgeable experts across the industry.
- Don’t Be Afraid to Pivot
Set aside time regularly to review your writing process, and identify areas where you can improve efficiency. Adjust your approach based on what works best for you. It’s okay to stop doing things that aren’t providing results in order to make room for new things that might. When it comes to increasing your writing speed, there is no single path to success. Try experimenting with these and other strategies until you find the combination that works best for you.
Jenn Mitchell
