How to write faster

There are many reasons you may want to write faster. Whether you’re chasing a strict deadline, powering through writer’s block, or trying to improve your writing skills, fast writing can come in handy.

Here, we’ll offer some valuable tips on how to write faster.

Tips on becoming a faster writer

Many want to become faster writers. By following the advice below, you’ll learn how to write more in less time and increase your daily word count.

Find a convenient time for writing

Life can get in the way of anyone’s writing process. Family, chores, pets, grocery shopping, and dozens of other obligations can disrupt the writing flow. Those who want to write faster should always plan for undisturbed writing time.

Remember, there’s no perfect time of day for writing. What time you’ll choose depends on other obligations you have, but also on your rhythm. For example, if you know you’re a night owl, schedule your writing time at later hours.

When it comes time to write, it’s recommended to turn off your phone and avoid social media so there are no distractions.

Remain consistent

Set daily writing goals and stick to them. Of course, ensure these goals are realistic. For example, if you’re a beginner, don’t expect to write 5,000 words a day. Instead, set yourself up for success and ensure you stick to your writing schedule.

As you advance, you can increase your daily word count. Besides helping you write more, consistency will improve your writing skills in general.

Try the Pomodoro technique

The Pomodoro technique is a popular time-management technique developed in the 1980s. It breaks work into time intervals of 25 minutes, separated by short breaks. After repeating this cycle a few times, take a 15-20-minute break and continue working.

It may be wise to record how many words you write during one cycle (writing session) to measure your productivity, especially in the beginning.

You can adjust this technique to ensure it matches your preferences.

Turn off spell-checking and proofreading tools

This may sound unusual, but it may work. Many writers use proofreading and spell-checking tools to ensure their work doesn’t contain any mistakes. While these tools are handy, they can affect your focus while writing, especially if you strive for perfectionism.

Many are distracted by the red lines or fall down the rabbit hole of looking up the origin of certain words. That’s why it may be wise to turn off all these tools during the writing process and work on your first draft without thinking about grammar and spelling.

Later, in the revising stage, you can correct typos, formatting issues, and other mistakes. If you feel exhausted after writing, leave revising for the next day.

Create outlines

One of the best writing tips many people ignore is creating outlines. Outlines can help you focus on the main points and improve your writing habits over time. They prevent writer’s block and give you guidance while you work on your writing project.

Ultimately, creating outlines leads to writing more in a shorter amount of time. Whether you’re a full-time author or a beginner, try creating outlines and enjoy the results.

Try dictation

Since most writers aren’t professional typists, they often speak much faster than they write. Fortunately, you can use this to your advantage and record yourself speaking, then use a speech to text software to convert your words to writing. This fast writing hack is great for those who have lots of ideas but can’t seem to put them on paper.

Use placeholders

When you write, you often come across different terms and concepts you need to research. Since this can interrupt your writing flow, it’s better to leave it for later. Instead, use placeholder text and avoid distractions.

Reward yourself

Use positive reinforcement to encourage yourself to write faster. Set a goal and a reward for achieving that goal. This could be anything from a mani-pedi to a coffee with friends or a new book.

Find an accountability partner

Many people find it hard to concentrate on a task by themselves because nobody holds them accountable if they don’t meet a personal deadline. That’s why it may be a good idea to have a family member or a friend keep track of your progress and push you toward success.

Use text to speech programs

Text to speech programs such as Speechify convert your writing to spoken language. You can have these programs read your work out loud and listen to how it sounds. This will help you identify mistakes and ensure your text flows well. Ultimately, such tools can enhance your focus, ensure you don’t make similar mistakes in the future, and help you write faster.

Become a proficient writer with Speechify

When they finish the writing process, many writers revise their work by reading it out loud.

Text to speech platforms like Speechify allow writers to convert their words to spoken language. Thanks to this, they can improve their focus and identify awkward phrasing and grammar inconsistencies.

With Speechify, writers and other users can customize the listening speed, choose a perfect natural-sounding voice, use bookmarks, and take advantage of many other convenient features.

The platform lets users scan physical copies of documents, another benefit that makes converting text to speech a breeze. It works on both computers and mobile devices, so users can access it from anywhere.

Try Speechify for free now or become a premium subscriber.

FAQ

How can I increase my writing speed?

You can increase your writing speed by creating rough drafts, using helpful paid and free writing tools, taking creative writing classes, and reading new books.

Why am I so slow at writing?

You may be slow due to a lack of focus, inspiration, or experience. Moreover, you may be wasting a lot of time editing your writing.

What are some ways to increase my typing speed?

The first action you should take to increase your typing speed is to ensure your hand doesn’t cramp and to maintain good posture. Then, try focusing on the screen instead of looking down at your hands. Finally, don’t forget that practice makes perfect.

What is NaNoWriMo?

NaNoWriMo stands for National Novel Writing Month, an event where authors get together to write at least 50,000 words. The event takes place every November.