‘Speed writing’ may be the tip you need if you’re fighting writer’s block
Here’s another of those simple, basic writing tips you may already know — or you may be overlooking. I hope it’s helpful. In a word: Speed writing.
Okay, I cheated. That’s two words, but it’s a simple and effective way to start a writing session anytime you simply can’t get the words flowing and get started any other way. It’s a technique that’s pretty much self-descriptive.
Speed writing means sitting down at your keyboard and letting the words flow without purpose, without forcing words or thoughts. You’re simply trying to put down everything that comes to mind as quickly as you possibly can. It’s sort of a combined typing race and free-association exercise.
One writing coach of mine suggested setting a timer of some sort to 10 minutes, flipping the timer, then pounding away until the timer dings (chirps, warbles, rings, clicks, bangs, whatever).
If you’ve never tried this, you’ll be amazed at some of the stuff that might come out of your head, travel through the old finger tips, and end up in your computer. Good, bad, and indifferent — you’ll find yourself spilling it all.
And if you’re writing fiction, a nice benefit is that you might trip a switch in the old brain that’ll give you a new perspective on your story, a new story idea, a new character, whatever. The possibilities are pretty much limitless. Give it a shot.
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