Writing More Efficiently
A suggestion For More Effective Content Writing
I originally saw this suggestion on a guru website last year. I'm not meticulous at implementing the idea myself. Nevertheless, it works.
When we write, we should do just that, write (or type). We should not edit our work until after we have finished writing our post.
By editing during the writing stage, we are slowing down our process of creation. We lose our train of thought when we edit and delete during our writing process.
We are able to write our post much faster if we write without editing or deleting. When we've finished composing our post, we can then go back and start editing and deleting from the beginning.
Once we've done our first edit, we can go over our post, over and over, until we see no more mistakes. It usually takes me several goes of reading and re-reading, and editing and re-editing, before I see no more mistakes.
One More Tip
When typing, look only at the keyboard. Forget about the screen. Try not to look at the screen until you've finished writing your post and you're ready to edit it. Give it a go.
Keep These 3 Things In Mind (Sticking To The Above Guidelines)
a) Write your post
b) then, Edit what you have written
c) then, Post what you have written.
* Give it a go. It works.
Recent Comments
23
Great advice Ian. It's at times like this I wonder how on earth anyone was productive when all we had were typewriters! I use the same technique and I end up deleting or moving whole blocks of text when I've finished; impossible under the old regime.
As a piece of writing advice this is one of the most useful observations on WA.
Thanks very much Paul. I'm finding the technique very useful myself. I had no idea so many people would also appreciate it. I'm glad I was able to contribute something worthwhile.
Cheers, Ian
"By editing during the writing stage, we are slowing down our process of creation. We lose our train of thought when we edit and delete during our writing process." this is so true. You may want to check out: http://writeordie.com/ if you find this process of creating content works for you. The web app (on the left hand side of the screen) is free..
Thanks Mark. I'm not sure http://writeordie.com is for me, although it would suit some people here. I like to be able to leave the computer and go and do somethingelse. When I wrote my post above, I stopped part way through it to go over to my local hospital for a while.
There are some people who sit at their computers until their post is complete so this would suit some of them. I appreciate that you put the link there. Someone may see it and find it useful for them.
Cheers, Ian
You are so very right, i had a creative writing teacher that taught this very thing. It is so true that to continually edit as you go disrupts the creative writing process. Thanks for blogging this, it reminded me to just write.
Sincerely, Virginia
Thanks very much Virginia. I'm glad my post jogged your memory. I think we all forget things over the years and occasionally something jogs our memories and puts us back on track.
thanks for that. yes kyle did say that. maybe i took it to literal lol. yes i changed the colour. much nicer now if i dont mind saying so. In my defence, there are a few buttons missing from my laptop. Thats my excuse and im sticking to it lol. just looked up. your new method really does work. iI used to write out on paper first and then type it. But this really is working for me much better, Honestly I cant believe it! must edit, edit and edit again and i should be okay. thank you so much again
I love this advise! thats what happens to me. when i stop, i lose my flow. But as you have probably seen Grammer is my biggest problem. I have no problem talking to anyone. But writing, punctuation and spelling. leaves a hell of a lot to be desired. I would go so far as saying that i feel illiterate. Thank you for this tip! I think its just what i need. I have just looked up and guess what? No flippin mistakes. spelling wise that is. This is now my new method. thank you x
Thanks for your input Judy. I know that those tips definitely work for me. I'm glad they work for you as well.
As for spelling and grammar. I'm actually good at spelling and reasonably good at grammar but I seem to make mistakes like everybodyelse and, as I try to be a perfectionist, I edit and edit until it looks right. Even after posting, there are still the occasional mistakes.
Don't stress about it too much. Afterall, I'm sure I saw Kyle say in a couple of posts that we should be more concerned about the post rather than the spelling and grammar. He makes the occasional mistake himself and he's successful isn't he.
By the way, I like the way your website is coming along.
G'day, Judy! We all have problems with writing! Pay a visit to Paul Dean's training: "Paul's Grammar Corner." You'll find it easy to follow and very helpful! :) george
G'day, Ian - not being a "concert typist," I use at least 2 fingers and a thumb, so I HAVE to look at the keyboard! Quite often, I go back over what I've written after a good night's rest and do multiple edits and corrections. Lots of them, believe me! :) george
Thanks George for your input.
I think even the best writers would also do the same.
I think it's also a good idea not to post something important when you're tired. Fresh eyes work better.
Ian
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Kyle wrote one like this... Can't remember what it is called. He agrees with everything you write here. He actually does it as a challenge I believe. Sorry I am so behind or I would find it. Hey where is Labman or Rich when you need them.... LOL
Great one
Kymee ;O)
Thanks Kymee. I actually saw it on a Guru's website. I find it works well so I passed it on. and was surprised so many ther members agreed that it helps them. Thanks for your input.
Cheers, Ian