By Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig
There has been a good deal written about the need for self-publishing authors not to be in a rush to publish. And yet, there has been a good deal written about the need for self-publishing authors to quickly produce for financial success.
These bits of advice aren’t really as contradictory as they seem. The time to move things along, I believe, is when we’re writing. The time to be thoughtful and unhurried is during the packaging process…the editing and cover design. The finishing touches need time.
What can we do to make our writing go faster? Here are some things that have helped me:
On a daily basis:
Know what you’re going to write that day (at least the plot points).
Think about where you left off and what you’re going to say next before you open the laptop (I mull things over in the mornings as I let the dog out and as I’m making myself coffee.
Eliminate distractions. For some, this means just closing windows on their computers until the manuscript is the only thing up. For others, it means disconnecting from wifi.
Set timers. Write for your target amount of time, then check social media/do other things you’ve been dying to do while writing. Then set a timer again. Repeat until you can reach your target.
Diagnose problems and roadblocks. This is the single most-important thing I do each week to write faster. Because, for me, slowing down happens about once a week. I don’t have time to sit around and stare at the screen. I don’t have time to edit too much bad writing—and I know when I’m producing the written version of “uhhh.” This is what I ask myself, because frequently I don’t know what the problem is before I think it through. Is there a better time of day to write? Is home too distracting and the library might be better? Am I procrastinating writing a scene because I know it’s not right for the characters? That it’s boring? That it’s unrealistic?
It’s so much better to take a day off from drafting and brainstorm new story directions. Ultimately, that day of brainstorming and planning saves me the most time of any of my time-saving tricks.
Per project:
When writing multiple series, I’ve found the next book goes much quicker when I outline the following book immediately after finishing a book in that series.
Secure editing and cover design before finishing the project. Same with beta readers. There have been several times when I’ve assumed my cover designer or editor was available as soon as I finished a project—and then I learned they were booked months out.
I’ve found the best way to hurry a project along is on my end of things, with the writing. If I can streamline my process, eliminate distractions, and dedicate the time I need, then I hit my goals every time.
How do you keep projects on track?
Tips for making a writing project go faster: Share on XImage: Death to the Stock Photo
I set aside a block of time, have a word goal, and I just get it done. I’m motivated to move fast during the first draft since it’s my least favorite part. I just want to get it done.
Alex–That’s good motivation! If we don’t enjoy the first draft, plow right through it so that we’re just polishing.
I love your advice here, Elizabeth. Especially for writers with ‘day jobs,’ it’s important to make every bit of writing time count. One of the things I’ve found helps is to make use of your ‘phone for those ‘waiting in the doctor’s office’ kinds of times. Lots of ‘phones have apps that let you make notes to yourself and be productive in other ways. Then, when you actually get back to your desk, you’ve got your ideas ready to go.
Margot–Cell phones are incredibly helpful tools! Sometimes I’ll use the voice recorder, too.
I have a comprehensive outline, one that is broken down into what happens in each chapter. That saves a lot of time in remembering and/or deciding what to do next. The newest thing, at least for me, is having an alpha reader, and not waiting until the manuscript is ready for beta readers. Getting more feedback earlier in the process keeps me from feeling like I’m floating untethered in outer space, totally alone, totally inside my own head, and as a result I find I’m able to work in more intensive, productive bursts.
Meg–The outline is *such* a helpful tool. I was resistant for too long.
That’s interesting about the alpha reader. A good alpha reader is golden and tough to find.
This was a helpful article. It has me reconsidering the self publishing option. Maybe it wont be that difficult.
Tanela–Hope you’ll look into it. Self-publishing has a learning curve, but once you’ve got it, you’ve got it.
I like this. Pragmatic and useful. I’ve struggled a bit of late because I took on a more than full time job and -horrors -it is very absorbing. And I knew my wip was heading back from my mentor with lots to attend to. This week I started getting up at 5 AM to work. It’s been great. I work for close to two hours stopping only to sip my coffee. My brain is good then and I don’t touch anything but the work. I think it’s going to see me through this crucial revision and edit. As to you folks who talk about your outlines -gah! Can’t do it. Kiss of death for me. Carry on though, by all means.
Jan–Sorry about the day job! I love getting up early to write, too. :) It makes me feel smug the rest of the day to know that I’ve finished my writing so early!
And…believe me, it took years to get to the point where I’d outline. It only happened after a couple of disastrous projects in a row when I’d been pantsing and was under a contract (and time was running out). I would do whatever works best for you!
Problems and roadblocks. Indeed. While I don’t think the edit cycle and draft cycle are very compatible – in me, at least – this diagnosis business is essential. I’m right there with you.
The outline helps immensely but is a deeply flawed document compared to the physical reality of the prose. I too spend a lot of time on these mid-course corrections and also find them to have accelerating properties.
Is it we write faster when our horizon is cleared or do we write faster for having made “better” choices for our narrative process? I’m not sure but I recognize that the dreaded weight of the “slog” means something is amiss.
Great essay today. The process for everyone is surprisingly convoluted despite the best plans. Looking at drafts of the manuscripts of writers interviewed in _The Paris Review_ , they’re just like mine: full of in-line diagnosis and redirection.
Muddiers of the waters, unite!
Jack–I think, for me, it’s that I have these little ‘wins.’ I’m a remarkably simple creature that can trick myself with all kinds of sticks and carrots. When I puzzle through a problem and find a solution…really, any solution, because it’s got to be better than the plot/plan/text I had before…then I’m invigorated and confident and motivated. Until, of course, I hit the next roadblock (usually a week in the future). Then I go through the whole process again.
Hi Elizabeth – your articles are always so useful .. and this summer I’m going to be spurting ahead (at last) … I know once I’m properly organised and on the way – even the beginning I can now see that path ahead … slow, but sure, and the early bird catches the worm … and like you getting up earlier and getting so much more done. Clearing the way is my way of then achieving .. and I’m on that path: blogging breaks help. Cheers Hilary
Hilary–I know what you mean! Blogging is a wonderful thing…unless it takes up so much time that we can’t reach our other goals!
Elizabeth,
I like thinking of those “wins” when reaching a writing goal. Your advice is great. I think I will have to try the timer though. When the chapters are not coming as easily, it takes maximum effort not to be distracted. Those dog posts on FB are just too cute…
Kellie–I love my timer! Hope it helps.