How to Write Faster

Writing is hard work. "You are sitting at a desk typing. How can that be tiring?" I hear you say. But anyone who writes will tell you what a mental drain it can be. Creating things from nothing requires energy.

Often, the greatest challenge isn't writing too much, but rather, writing ANYTHING. For many writers, getting started can often be a serious hurdle. As they say in Gaeilge "tús maith leath na h'oibre", or "a good start is half the work." I personally find starting really hard because I'm the world's worst procrastinator. I decided something had to be done. So, I set aside a few days to read and research as much as I could about the writing process. This has set me on the path to building good, healthy writing habits. I'm still near the beginning of my journey. It hasn't been easy, but its a start and I can tell you Chris Fox has been an immense help. In fact, he has been the BIGGEST help, when it comes to writing itself. And I don't say that lightly.

Chris is the author of the famous Void Wraith science fiction series. He has also written non-fiction titles that help self-publishing authors to improve their writing output and marketing techniques. I'll write a little more about the techniques he teaches in a dedicated post. In the meantime, check out his website: www.chrisfoxwrites.com

The book I've found most helpful recently is 5,000 WORDS PER HOUR, WRITE FASTER, WRITE SMARTER. It has truly revolutionized my writing process. If you struggle with your output, I highly recommend that you read it.

5,000 word per hour is an ambitious goal for any writer, and most of us won't hit that kind of output at the outset, but it IS an achievable goal if you start building good habits, bit by bit, as Chris suggests. After only a month of reading this book, I'm hitting approximately 3000 words per hour. Since I currently only have one hour in the day to write, it is essential that I get as much out of those sixty minutes as is possible. Just think about that for a second! If I write for one hour a day - yes just ONE hour - from Monday to Saturday, I will have 72,000 words in 4 weeks. Folks, that is an entire first draft in a month. With that work ethic, you could be as prolific as you want to be.

Needless to say, I'm delighted with what I've learned in this book, and I know my hourly word count will continue to increase as I gain traction. I'm already writing faster than I've ever dreamed of.

If you check out Chris's website you'll see he's posted a number of videos. These are also immensely helpful, especially his series on motivation for writers. The video on outlining is another gem. you'll notice his videos are concise and full of actionable advice. It's not hard to find five or seven minutes to invest. This is refreshing considering that "fluff overload" has become the hallmark of the "how to" video. If you struggle to write, WATCH THEM! I promise you, you won't turn back.

Anyway, I started this post with the intention of talking about the struggles of writing in general. As you can see, it's turned into a bit of a Christ Fox worship session. But credit where credit is due, my friends. Chris fox rocks! (Chris, if you ever read this, that should be your slogan). Seriously, though, the guy is awesome. He has an ocean worth of highly valuable, low friction content. Just dive right in. Watch his videos and buy his books. If you struggle like me you'd be a fool not to. Reading Chris Fox = prolific writing. It doesn't get any simpler than that.

Here's to writing 5,000 PER HOUR! 

Killian C. Carter

Writer's Block vs Opportunity

Writer's block! Every writer's worst nightmare!!! Or is it? 

Traditionally writer's block has been that single ethereal entity most feared by writers. And rightly so, for what can a writer do when she cannot perform her magic; forming words from nothing, stringing them into sentences, then spinning those strands of literary silk into the fabric of a story. It is a delicate type of magic, that is, one whose flow is easily interrupted. So what can you do when you hit that big, bad, magic dispelling wall?

Well, the answer is; quite a lot. I did say "traditionally" writer's block has been feared. But we no longer live in a world dominated by traditional publishing. In the space of five years, independent publishing has gone from being considered an "abhorrent" thing, to one of the most lucrative markets in the industry.

Therefore, I postulate that writer's block should be embraced and not feared - by self-publishing authors anyway. Why? For one simple reason: Authors of the self-publishing variety are not only writers. They are marketers, advertisers, networkers, visual artists, administrators, phone operators, readers, business owners, masters of their own destinies, among other things.

So, instead of banging your head against your desk when the magic doesn't flow so freely, why not answer a few emails, review those cover proofs, analyze your Facebook ads, or any one of the numerous other tasks on your ever growing list. That is not to say that one should be easily distracted by the business side of self-publishing. But when writer's block truly hits and the stubborn words just won't leave the warmth and safety of your mind, there are other productive things you can be doing until those frightened little words are read to come and outside and play.

Yes, writer's block is not an obstacle, but an opportunity. Unlike traditional authors - who can only stare at the wall until it drives them insane since every other step in the process is handled by someone else - indies can go off and take care of another task. The very act of giving those reluctant words some space often all they need to be enticed out. On returning to your writing, the wall is suddenly so small you can step over it, back into that wonderful magical field of freedom, no climbing or sledge-hammering required.

When the words stop coming. Don't get frustrated, or pull out your hair (assuming you have hair), and certainly don't give up. Simply go do something else, come back later, and everything will be okay.

As always folks; stay young, live long or die trying.

Yours truly,

Killian C. Carter