Speed Writing

By georgelthomas on 2 Jan 2024 • ( 0 )

Hi everyone! I hope you’re all well. Today, I will explore speed writing, explaining what it is and how it can help you in your writing projects.

Speed Writing

Writing is a crucial aspect of all our lives, particularly for those of us in the writing field. However, for many people, writing can be challenging, especially if you are prone to writer’s block or are overly self-critical (guilty as charged!). One thing that can help writers to be more productive and get those creative juices flowing is speed writing.

What is Speed Writing?

Speed writing is the perfect way to improve your writing skills. While you may be used to taking your time writing long chapter outlines, intricate character arcs, in-depth story notes, or even that dreaded first draft, practising speed writing can help you to focus on your key points without getting bogged down by minor, unnecessary details. It can also be really helpful in getting you into the habit of writing without stopping halfway through to edit what you’re working on.

Additionally, if you write on a device, it can help improve your typing speed, a valuable skill in today’s digital age.

Speed Writing Exercises

Speed writing exercises help writers overcome writer’s block, increase productivity, and enhance their writing fluency. They involve setting a timer and writing continuously without stopping for a set time. By doing so, you can train your mind to think quickly, organize your ideas, and express them efficiently.

The Writing Sprint
One of the most popular speed writing exercises is the ‘writing sprint’. In this exercise, you set a timer for a certain period, usually 10 to 20 minutes, and go to work on your project, writing without stopping until the timer goes off. The goal is to write as much as possible within this period and not worry about grammar, punctuation, or spelling errors. The focus is on writing in the moment and allowing for creative flow to occur.

Writing Prompts
Another effective speed writing exercise is to use a writing prompt. There are loads of websites and apps available online that will generate a random prompt for you, which you then use as your starting point, writing for 5 to 10 minutes whatever comes to mind without stopping or editing. The goal is to let your ideas form and merge, flowing freely without worrying about structure, coherence, or style. This exercise can help you unleash your creativity, overcome writer’s block, and develop your voice. It’s also a creative way of passing the time if you’re at a loss for something to do.

Word Association
Word association is another quick and easy exercise that can enhance your writing skills. In this exercise, you begin with a word (any word) and then write down the first word or words that come to mind following that. You then repeat this process with the subsequent word, and so on. This exercise can help writers develop a broad vocabulary, improve their word usage, and enhance their creativity. It can also be employed as a fun game in writing groups.

Basic Guidelines

As with anything you try, you probably want to garner the best results from your speed writing exercises. So, to ensure that happens, it is essential to follow some basic guidelines. Firstly, set a realistic goal, such as the 5 to 10 minutes or 20 minutes I mentioned above. After a little while, you can increase the time and perhaps aim for writing 500 words in 30 minutes, increasing your target as you become more comfortable with the exercises.

Secondly, and this is important, try to eliminate distractions when doing these exercises, such as turning off notifications, finding a quiet place to write, and avoiding multitasking. And lastly, be patient and persistent. Speed writing exercises require practice; the more you do, the easier you’ll find blocking out the world while you create.You’ll find you are able, in time, to write for longer periods without over-worring about what you have written and without feeling the need to edit until you’ve finished your writing session.

Ultimately, whether or not you use speed writing exercises will depend on your individual style and preferences. Some people thrive under pressure and love the adrenaline of trying to write as quickly as possible. Others find it stressful and prefer a more leisurely pace. Either way, there’s no denying that speed writing is a fantastic tool for honing your skills and pushing yourself to new heights. So whether you’re a professional writer or a student looking to improve your skills, have a go and see what you think.

Thank you, as always, for stopping by. It really means the world.

Until next time,

George